A GROUP has been set up to lead the way on what the new Rossendale Hospital should look like.

Health bosses have pledged to build a new hospital to serve the borough under a review of services.

Now, Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson is to head the develoment commi-ttee for Rossendale, which has its first meeting on Friday.

The group will meet in private for six months to develop a plan for services, which have dwindled in the last two decades.

Under the proposals the hospital will gain an urgent care centre for minor emergencies and a midwifrey led birthing centre.

Other organisations set to take part include mental health authority Lancashire Care Trust, Lancashire County Council's social services, Patient and Public Involvement Forum watchdog members and regeneration body Elevate East Lancashire.

Janet Anderson said: "I am keen to do everything I can to work with people, the health service and other organisations to develop proposals that meet the expectations of people."

Jo Cubbon, chief executive of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, said: "The proposals begin to provide a clear way forward. We now need make it happen.