IT was the Prime Minister himself who summed up the present government's priorities in three words - "Education, education, education."

The emphasis was quite correct and we have been blitzed by statistics over the past few years purporting to show positive steps taken to improve educational levels.

But however many accolades our schools may be receiving the figures for literacy and numeracy levels are nothing less than shameful.

One in ten pupils are leaving school in the Blackburn and Darwen area without basic reading and writing skills.

At the same time our adult numeracy and literacy levels are significantly below the British average and those for industrial competitors like Germany.

Now plans are being put in place with the aim of halving the 15,000 figure for people in the borough without these basic skills although it could take up to four years.

Reaching or exceeding this target is an absolute must.

Decent educational levels will automatically lessen social problems and crime as well as boosting self esteem and confidence.

And an educated workforce will act like a magnet attracting industry and employment to an area like East Lancashire.

High fliers are important but we cannot afford to have such a huge pool of under achievers. In the words of another Prime Minister the message must be: "Back to basics."