A summer of success for Luton reached a climax with the launch of the town's new Innovation Centre and Business Base last week. Four days of celebrations saw visits from the Luton-born DNA fingerprinting pioneer, Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys, and minister for the Department of Work and Pensions, Lord McKenzie of Luton.

Events marked the end of what Luton Borough Council has termed Luton's 'summer of success', which has seen the opening of the Stockwood Discovery Centre, Luton Airport's 70th birthday, government approval of the Luton-Dunstable Busway and the launch of the East of England Cultural Olympiad with the Halo event in St George's Square.

The council's director of environment and regeneration, Colin Chick, said: 'We want to show the people of Luton that despite the credit crunch and fears of recession, we are are still positive and moving foward.

'Key developments are underway, including The Mall and the Station Gateway. We are pleased to have the opportunity to mark these with this series of events and the opening of this innovative and groundreaking building.'