DISCOVERING the next generation of marketing experts has earned Bury members of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) a highly coveted accolade.

The Lancashire branch of the CIM was singled out for the best student activity programme for 2000-01 at the organisation's annual awards ceremony.

The CIM is the largest marketing professional body with 60,000 members worldwide and Lancashire beat off 45 other branches for the prized title thanks to their 14th regional student competition.

This saw four teams from across the North West compete in a battle for business at the University of Central Lancashire, with expert guidance from members of the local business community and academia.