I HAVE been encouraged by the recent campaign in the Lancashire Telegraph to talk up Pennine Lancashire and ensure it gets the acclaim it so richly deserves.

With enviable assets, such as excellent local food and dining, evocative and breathtaking scenery, natural amenities, parks, sport, history, architecture, art, culture, music, entertainment, markets, shopping, transport links and commerce and more within easy reach, Pennine Lancashire has a lot to rival anywhere as somewhere to visit, live or work.

I can hardly believe my luck that I can so easily visit and walk in timeless, untamed, varied and exquisite countryside like the Ribble Valley, Forest of Bowland, the West Pennine Moors, Pendle and around my home town of Blackburn and find ancient, picturesque villages with lovely pubs and great food and drink. East Lancashire’s resurgence has been a hot topic in the past but this time there is a buzz growing.

Blackburn has an opportunity to enhance and develop its own identity further and find inspiration, in the assets of Pennine Lancashire, while championing the region for its own benefit and that of its neighbours. Make way for Pennine Lancashire and feel the heart of the British Isles beat once again.

Stewart Wade, Clayton-le-Woods (via email)