A LAS Vegas-style casino complex in Blackpool would benefit the whole of the North-west, it is claimed.

The North West Tourist Board is working with the North West Development Agency and Blackpool Challenge Partnership to secure the Government go-ahead for the controversial scheme.

They have now combined to produce a heavyweight lobbying video entitled Blackpool -- A Vision for England's North West.

The NWTB, which is taking an active lead in the campaign, has brought together a variety of organisations and people who feel a successful bid for Blackpool would enhance the entire region.

Leisure Parcs Ltd, the company behind the proposals, believes the North-west would benefit from the creation of up to 25,000 permanent jobs, capital investment of £2 billion and a substantial increase in inbound tourism through both Manchester and Blackpool airports.

Speakers featured on the video include Felicity Goodey, chairman of the North West Cultural Consortium, Anthony Goldstone, chairman of the North West Tourist Board, Mike Shields, chief executive of the North West Development Agency and Geoff Muirhead, chief executive of Manchester Airport plc.

Mr Goldstone said: "We believe that permission to pilot the resort casino should be given and that Blackpool is the obvious location. We will make this case very strongly to the Government."

He added: "There is no doubt that, if successful, Blackpool's plans will have a significant impact on the tourism industry both regionally and nationally.

"They are going to be the catalyst for the creation of an enormous number of jobs and should be the launch pad for further re-investment in the resort."

Mr Shields said: "The resort casino proposal which Leisure Parcs and their partners have been pursuing is really quite ground-breaking and will create significant economic regeneration from which Blackpool and the region can benefit."

The video is a response to the Gambling Review Report by Sir Alan Budd which made recommendations designed to simplify the regulations on gambling, extend choice for adult gamblers and ensure there is protection for children and vulnerable persons.