New opportunities for community action to regenerate the South Pennines region will be the focus of the annual conference coming to Ilkley on Friday.

Rural regeneration champion Pennine Prospects has invited experts on community-led initiatives to speak at its conference, as the Localism Bill moves through Parliament.

The company, owned by key local authorities, water companies, Natural England and the voluntary and community sector, is exploring future opportunities, ranging from community hydro-power schemes to the community management of public buildings.

Local food growing projects, co-operative telecommunications services, and community waste-to-energy plants are among the ground-breaking ideas on the table.

Speakers at Ilkley Playhouse on October 7 will include director general of The Tree Council, Pauline Buchanan Black, researcher Indy Johar, and poet Simon Armitage, who will share their inspiration for community action.

Four workshops will offer delegates the opportunity to find out how to take action in their own area.

Pennine Prospects director, Mark Turner, said: “We will be exploring areas such as generating funds and getting to grips with the latest legislation will help delegates develop the knowledge and skills necessary to take forward their own ‘civil society’ project.”

The focus of Pennine Prospects, founded in 2005, is on protecting the built, natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of the area’s residents, linked to the urban and rural regeneration of city regions of Leeds, Manchester and Central Lancashire.

Pennine Prospects’ community archaeologist, Gavin Edwards, best known locally for his work at Ilkley’s Manor House Museum, will be joined by Ilkley volunteers to describe their continuing work to record the ancient rock carvings on Rombalds Moor.

In another workshop, Rose Regeneration will examine the Localism Bill and what it may mean for individuals and their communities and what opportunities it may open up for community action The event, from 9.30am to 3.30pm, is free to attend, but booking is essential. To book a place or for further information, visit pennineprospects.co.uk or call 01274 433536.