AN AMERICAN tourist whose car broke down in Blackburn has said the town's hospitality has done more to improve inter-country relations than any political alliance.

New Yorker Jane Pickett was offered cups of tea, lifts back to where she was staying and was even invited into people's homes when her rental car suffered two punctures as she drove along Haslingden Road.

Despite being stranded for two hours near Royal Blackburn Hospital while she waited for replacement tyres, the 55-year-old gift shop owner said she had had an amazing time - thanks to the four families who came to her aid.

Jane said: "I come over to Blackburn about twice a year to visit friends. I love the north's castles, the Lake District and the Dales - but it will be the down to earth kindness of those good people of Blackburn that I will remember the longest.

"I experienced kindness and hospitality that should make Blackburn proud.

"That is what I call special, and it is the good nature of these people that has done more for relations between our countries than any relationship built up by our political leaders."

Jane has been staying in Swift Close, Blackburn, with her friend Tony Heyes, 68. The pair met in Greenwich Village when Tony worked in New York and have kept in touch over the years.

Tony said: "Getting a double puncture wasn't the best start to the day but everyone who came out to help us out put paid to that.

“Jane was a bit puzzled by the offer of a 'brew' at first but when she discovered it meant a cup of tea she was really amazed at how kind people had been."

Jane, originally from Connecticut, added: "I will certainly be looking forward to coming back to Blackburn."