THE borough's unsung heroes are stepping into the limelight to promote a new community website.

Hyndburnlife.co.uk - launched this month - is a one-stop Internet shop, containing up-to-date information from organisations including Hyndburn Council, Lancashire County Council, the Citizens' Advice Bureau, Lancashire Police and Fire Brigade, clubs, organisations, charities, schools and colleges.

It also features discussion groups, dealing with everything from light-hearted topics to more serious advice on issues like debt and bullying, plus sections for residents, businesses, kids, teenagers and visitors.

A high-profile marketing campaign is underway to promote the website, featuring Hyndburn residents, characters and business people.

A show-stopping billboard on Blackburn Road, Accrington, puts 15 of the borough's unsung heroes in the picture.

Among those featured are Parvinder Sohal, manager of the Youth and Community Service at Accrington's New Era Centre, Stephen Hallworth, of Hallworth Butchers on Accrington Market, and Beverly Hogg, company secretary of Huncoat plastics firm Anker Products.

Jane Law, former e-envoy for Hyndburn, has overseen the project since it was started a year ago. She said: "Right from the start, we were adamant we wanted to make the website as relevant and appealing to the local community as possible.

"Many websites use stock library images and most advertising campaigns use glossy models. We decided to go against the mould and feature people living and working in Hyndburn because there are truly people our potential website users can relate to. The feedback we have had so far is overwhelmingly positive."

Visit the website at www.hyndburnlife.co.uk .