A NEW organisation to promote East Lancashire's cultural industries has appointed its first "champion."

Peter Hargreaves, managing director of the Oswaldtwistle Mills empire, will help promote arts and crafts based businesses under the East Lancashire Cultural Industries Development banner.

Plans are now under way to hold a series of events at Oswaldtwistle Mills for local firms to exhibit their products.

ELCID was formed last year to fly the flag for one of the area's fastest growing industries.

The new group aims to cover areas such as performing arts, crafts, design, fashion, publishing, broadcasting and film businesses.

It aims to promote the industry throughout the world by encouraging business to work together on projects such on marketing campaigns. It will also try and foster stronger links between companies and business support agencies.

Mr Hargreaves is the first of a series of champions the group is planning to appoint.

ELCID has been formed by the six borough councils and six Enterprise Trusts in East Lancashire. It is backed by the North West Arts Board together with Lancashire County Council and receives funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

ELCID project officers Ben Clark and Yvonne Robins are currently setting up a database of businesses in the area. Further information is available on 01254 600628 or email benclark@elcid.co.uk

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