An East Lancashire local authority is to pay almost £800,000 to three organisations to boost business, innovation and jobs.

Burnley Council will make the grants from its allocation of £3.5 million from the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Its ruling executive authorised the payments when it met on Wednesday evening.

The council will pay the University of Central Lancashire (UClan) £350,865 to deliver an Innovation Programme across sectors including low carbon, design, technology and digital.

It will make a grant of £133,120 to The Growth Company towards the Burnley Manufacturing Programme.

And the council will also awards the Lancashire County Council BOOST scheme £296,400 to support economic growth in the borough.

The total of the three grants is £780,385.

Reports to the executive said: "Burnley businesses need to increase innovation research and development.

"The increasing trend for digitisation and automation within engineering and manufacturing presents opportunities for higher value activity and higher-level skilled job roles but in vestment is needed and this UClan project will help businesses to develop and innovation roadmap enabling them to access business growth and to become more resilient.

"This programme will strengthen education/business relationships with the three higher education institutes in Lancashire coming together in a unique partnership.

The two UClan Burnley sites at Victoria Mill and Newtown Mill will be the main hubs for Burnley businesses.

"Burnley businesses will need to be ready and able to enter new manufacturing markets as well as being able to respond to new demands set by the aerospace and automotive industries.

"The Growth Company project will provide one to one support working with Burnley's manufacturing businesses ultimately leading for a growth in jobs and increased productivity.

"Manufacturing workshops for leader will also support capacity tools and techniques to drive change and upskill the workforce.

"BOOST is Lancashire's business growth hub supporting economic growth by working in partnership with others to help businesses and organisations realise their potential, create jobs and boost the economy.

"This project has been previously funded by European Regional Development Funds that have now ceased.

"UKSPF funding will allow the programme to continue helping businesses to start up, grow and be resilient."