THE Hartlepool Partnership is holding its first annual event tonight.

It will take place at Hartlepool College of Further Education at 6pm and give people an opportunity to join members of the partnership to celebrate its recent achievements.

The partnership, which is chaired by the town's MP Peter Mandelson, was set up in 1999 and has brought together a range of local organisations with the aim of giving the town a strong, united voice.

Its main aim is to improve the social, economic and environmental well-being of the town by providing existing services more effectively, improving areas and setting out its vision for the future.

The event will be hosted by Alan Wright and Kelly Rose, Hartlepool's representative in the UK Youth Parliament.

Mr Wright said: "I was born in Hartlepool and still choose to live here, and I am delighted to be celebrating with the Hartlepool Partnership."

Participants will have the opportunity to watch a series of short plays about different activities of the partnership and visit interactive stalls.

The event will finish at about 7.30pm.