BURNLEY Council is advertising for top consultants to help it change the image of the town.

As part of the public relations campaign dubbed Raising Civic Pride in Burnley, the authority has advertised for consultants to research peoples' perspectives of Burnley.

Whoever is appointed will manage the campaign in the short term before a figurehead, or team, is appointed to take up the £50,000 project.

Mike Waite, project manager at Burnley Council, said: "The advert, which appears in the local press, is asking for a consultant to take us through the first few stages of the campaign.

"This consultant, or a team of consultants, will carry out research looking at the work being done in Burnley's image.

"They will look at work being done elsewhere to improve the image of other towns, to ensure they become an attractive place to invest in and visit." The advert invites tenders from suitably qualified consultants to start work immediately on a report expected within eight weeks of the contract being awarded.

It is hoped the report will contain a detailed picture of how Burnley sees itself and how outsiders view the town.

Improving Burnley's tarnished image was highlighted in the Burnley Task Force Report which followed the riots of June 2001.

The Home Office has handed over £50,000 cash to help the council counter the negative views of both people outside Burnley and those living in the town.

The campaign is to focus on raising the borough's profile, improving confidence in the town and celebrating achievement and excellence by residents.

An annual awards scheme to talk up the town is another idea mooted by council officers.