STAFF from the business and education sectors in Lancashire came together as the board of a new training and skills group met for the first time.

The meeting began to map out the future agenda for transforming post-16 education and training when the new Lancashire Learning and Skills Council (LSC) comes into operation in April.

The LSC will take over the work of the county's two Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs) and Further Education Funding Council under a Government shake-up of training provision.

"The board represents an alliance from business, further and high education, trade unions, local government and community organisations that have come together in common purpose," said chairman Alan Dick.

"That purpose will be to champion the power of learning and to encourage more people to take the opportunity to transform their lives through education and training. We will also give businesses a say in getting the skilled people they need to drive forward their future competitiveness."

LSC executive director Steve Palmer added: "We have a huge challenge ahead of us to build on what has been achieved by the TECs and further education in post-16 education and training and to ensure that everyone values learning."

The LSC will be based in Preston.