TORY leader David Cameron threw his support behind the Lancashire Telegraph’s new campaign to help businesses struggling through the recession.

The We’re Backing Business campaign, which was launched last week, will enable firms to find information, help and practical support over the coming months.

Speaking on his visit to the Lancashire Telegraph, Mr Cameron said: “It’s a great idea.

"We all have a responsibility to the community at a time of recession and newspapers have a great responsibility, which you are showing, to try and help businesses get all the help they need.

“I wish your campaign well and I hope the businesses respond and that they can help us trade out of this difficult recession.”

In association with Business Link Northwest, the campaign will work through a series of events and initiatives which include drop-in clinics, workshops and breakfast meetings as well as the creation of a team of East Lancashire ‘dragons’ who will offer their expertise to businesses.

The campaign has been launched as new figures show that almost 4,000 East Lancashire businesses are staring into the financial abyss because of the economic slowdown.

‘Maximum risk’ businesses are those with accounts showing a loss, with County Court judgements against them or at serious risk of going under.