OUR North West region played an important part in jump starting the industrial revolution, because the thinkers of yesteryear met in groups, just as the ones of the present day.

Likewise, current innovators putting their heads together rely on the sponsorship and encouragement of far-seeing organisations and industries.

At the recent EX-PO, held at the Saturn Building on Challenger Way, Blackburn, 70 inventors attended, and several concerns chose to sponsor INW (Ideas-North-West).

The two-day expo, courtesy of Blackburn with Darwen Council, proved to be such a success that it will be repeated next year.

Many local businesses and manufacturers have risen from innovations hereabouts, so it would be somewhat shortsighted not to kindle some of the sparks in our locality.

Further details may be obtained from Blackburn Technology Management Centre, Challenger Way, BB1 5QB.

As an inventor, and member of the group, this is my way of enlightening others of our existence.

BILL AUSTIN, Bute Road, Blackburn.