AN arts charity has launched a new project to re-ignite local pride in three East Lancashire towns.

Mid Pennine Arts has developed Project Pride, which will focus on the industrial heritage of Burnley, Nelson and Accrington over the past 200 years.

Burnley’s Weavers’ Triangle, Accrington’s Victorian Market Hall, the Lord Nelson public house and the redevelopment of the junction of Leeds Road and Manchester Road in Nelson will form the focal point.

Teenagers from local schools will help develop the project with help from £25,000 funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund Young Roots programme.

Lucy Green, Project Pride co-ordinator, said: "We did some initial work last summer – a consultation with young people from the area, from which grew the idea for the project.

"That has seen us win £25,000 worth of funding, which is a real coup for the area in this tough economic climate.

"We are now looking for the right artists to work with, who can help to bring the young people’s ideas to life.

“We want the project to bring about the re-telling of stories that have defined our identities and shaped our communities.

"Our ultimate objective is to inspire everyone involved in the project to think differently and in a more positive way about the place in which they live.

"We want Project Pride to inspire people and to demonstrate some of the many good reasons to be proud of where we live."

The project will continue until summer 2011.