AN East Lancashire local authority's economic development boss welcomed firms across the county to his borough's football ground and took the opportunity to promote it virtues.

Hyndburn Council's Cllr Zak Khan was a keynote speaker at the fifth Lancashire Business Day on Friday at Accrington Stanley's Wham Stadium.

He spoke about what he is doing to improve growth in Hyndburn.

Cllr Khan told the audience about the importance of matching skills training with future job opportunities so that businesses have access to a labour pool in areas of emerging strength for the county like cyber, energy, and advanced manufacturing.

He emphasised the importance of collaboration with businesses, colleges, and regional experts.

After the event, Cllr Khan said: “It is always great to see businesses from across the county come to Hyndburn so we can discuss collaboration, best practice, and how to grow our regional economy.

“Choosing Hyndburn as a host is a vote of confidence in the changes we’re making locally to create a positive future for Hyndburn through a more business-friendly environment and better jobs for residents.

“I am focussed on working with partners across the county to carry through a positive vision for our future, harnessing the skills of people in Hyndburn and across Lancashire to get there.”