THE Duke of Kent paid a visit to two of East Lancashire's most successful export companies in his capacity as vice chairman of the Overseas Trade Board.

Philips Components of Blackburn, and meat producer, E Slinger and Sons, of Accrington were both highly praised as they proudly opened their doors to their Royal visitor.

Protesters failed in their bid to stop food waste from being dumped at a tip in Darwen, despite local residents' fears that dumping such waste would attract vermin.