A MAJOR global awareness campaign aimed at promoting Warrington on the international business stage was launched by town hall bosses on Tuesday.

The unique campaign will inform global audiences of the opportunities that exist in Warrington and aims to broaden the appeal of the north west for inward investment across the world.

It has cost the local authority, together with private sector partners, £500,000, but town hall bosses see it was an investment in the future.

Steven Broomhead, chief executive, said: "I see it as an investment, not a cost. It is a unique marketing strategy that will secure the future of Warrington. We have success in the town, but we must maintain it."

Alan Turley, head of economic development, said: "It is a lot of money, but if you want to be a major player, you have to spend the money to do it."

The key element of the campaign is a CD-Rom, which will be sent to 25,000 businesses. An advertising campaign, bearing the slogan "Warrington, where knowledge goes to work", will also be seen in the national industry papers and magazines.

Mr Turley added: "This is one of the biggest undertakings ever aimed at drawing worldwide inward investment to Warrington.

"This awareness campaign will be a major 'pull' for investors and we hope people get behind us and support the campaign, which will not only boost the economic development of Warrington, but the whole of the north west."