A taskforce has been set up by Burnley Council to see how the town can benefit from next year’s Olympic Games being staged in London.

Four councillors will form the group to carry out a review of what can be done in Burnley and Padiham primarily to increase take-up on leisure activities.

They will look at what sporting facilities are available in the borough, look at marketing and communication for those facilities, draft a strategy to encourage more participation and promote healthy life styles.

Saima Afzaal, of Burnley Council, said: “Members of the committee considered the need to review the council’s response to the Olympic games.

“Members proposed a review to be carried out to explore the different approaches that could be taken to increase participation of sports activities and provide an opportunity to encourage the residents of Burnley to participate in sports and physical events.”

The taskforce will also devise an ‘Olympic challenge’ for residents to get involved with and look at getting local businesses on side to sponsor the event.

Ms Afzaal said: “Members considered proposals to explore current provision on issues relating to a wide range of sporting activities, and to focus on individuals and or groups who have the ability to participate, and explore other mechanisms to build a keen interest in the Burnley’s Olympic Challenge.

Councillors Andy Tatchell, Paul Reynolds, Karen Heseltine and Tracy Kennedy will form the taskforce.