EAST Lancashire has long been known as a hotbed of innovation.

Burnley, Clitheroe and Barnoldswick were all involved in probably one of the biggest inventions of the last century - the jet engine.

During World War II the development team working on Frank Whittle's design moved from Rover's bomb-ravaged Coventry factory to the more tranquil surroundings of the Ribble Valley and help from engineering firm Lucas in Burnley.

In 1943 Rolls-Royce took over the development of the engine and today the Barnoldswick factory still plays a key role in producing jet engines.

The Spinning Jenny which revolutionised the cotton industry was invented in Oswaldtwistle by James Hargreaves.

The machines allowed several cotton spindles to be operated by one wheel, which had not been achieved previously.

Mike Damms, chief executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce said he expected the area's tradition of being at the forefront of innovation to continue.

He said firms now faced having to come up with ideas more frequently because technological advances meant competitors were already working on new products when a company was about to launch their products.

Mr Damms said: "There is a famous saying - innovate or die.

"You have to stay ahead of the competition and the way to do that is by having something different that sets you apart.

"Companies really have to keep their eye on the ball developing ideas and processes.

"As long as we stick to our traditions we will continue to have good innovators, what we need to do is market them better."

Previous winners of the award include Science in Sport, Brockhall Village, in 2005.

Last year Burnley-based Radal Technology walked away with the innovation prize for Cig-Arrette.

The automated smoke detector was designed for the implementation of Britain's smoking bans and tells people to stub out their cigs.

Brent Dunleavey, director said: "The award was brilliant and helped put us on the map."

BEHIND any successful business there lies successful workers.

The Employee of the Year award is designed to recognise the hundreds of workers who go that extra mile and more for their bosses.

Paul Warren, managing director of Blackburn-based business advisory group Pierce, said that the area was blessed to have hundreds of employees who have helped make their company successful.He said: "The award for employee of the year will give the spotlight to an unsung hero, rather than focusing on the work a company has done.

"This is very important - excellent for morale and for business.

"Good employees are common, but an excellent employee must bring something special to the table - often committing themselves above and beyond the call of duty.

"Just a handful of the qualities necessary could include innovation, leadership, reliability, efficiency, length of service and company knowledge.

"Visit any business in East Lancashire, as we do regularly, and you will find staff members who have gone the extra mile and helped in no small way to make their company successful.

"But the key must be this: is the employee someone who is, through their actions, a great ambassador for the firm? Are they somebody you can be proud to call a member of staff?"

Tracy Keen won the category in 2006 after she moved from flipping burgers to being assistant manager in 12 months.

She started as part of the grill department when 10-pin bowling venue Bowlplex opened at Peel Retail Park, Blackburn, in November 2005, before quickly rising through the ranks.

Judges were won over by Tracy's attitude to work and her boss' description of her as a model employee.