MPS have welcomed figures showing a decline in East Lancashire unemployment.

Figures published by the Government showed unemployment had gone down by more than 28 per cent in Rossendale and Darwen in the past 12 months.

They also showed a 25 per cent drop in Pendle.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry said: “I am delighted to see unemployment in Rossendale and Darwen is continuing to fall.

“This is a clear indication that the combined efforts of employers, government initiatives and the tailored approach by the Jobcentre Plus team has proved to be yet another positive move in the right direction.”

Pendle’s Andrew Stephenson said: “It is great to see a big fall in unemployment across Pendle. With several local employers advertising new vacancies and big expansions, I hope these falls in unemployment will continue.”