A SCHEME showing people in Blackburn and Darwen how to improve their neighbourhoods has been shortlisted for a Learning North West Success Award.

The Neighbourhood Learning Planning Project, developed by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's Lifelong Learning Service, brings together people and gives them the skills and knowledge to improve their area.

Informal teaching encourages groups to develop plans.

Funded by the North West Regional Development Agency and the five Learning and Skills Councils covering the area, Learning North West aims to promote improvements in living across the region.

Chris Sivers, Blackburn with Darwen Council's neighbourhood learning strategic development manager, said: "The idea is to raise citizens' aspirations and to empower them to influence and direct change in their own neighbourhood."

More than 400 residents of Blackburn and Darwen are involved in the scheme, which is to be expanded nationwide after proving successful.

Award winners will be announced at the Reebok Centre, Bolton on January 30.