COMMUNITY groups across Hyndburn have joined an umbrella organisation, designed to help the borough's development.

The Hyndburn Community Empowered Network has representatives of almost 150 local groups and societies.

Based in Cannon Street, Accrington, the body has just held elections for its committee and is choosing representatives for the borough's Local Strategic Partnership.

The partnership co-ordinates local services and aims to ensure resident's needs are met.

Network co-ordinator Joanne Smith said there was a 60 per cent turnout for the committee elections, adding: "I am pleasantly surprised that our elections attracted more than double that of local council elections. This clearly shows the community's aspiration to become more involved in the borough's decision-making processes."

The network committee's first meeting is at Accrington Fire Station, on Monday , February 16, at 6pm.