APPRENTICES have welcomed the decision to name Burnley as the ‘most enterprising area’ in the UK.

Business Secretary Vince Cable made the announcement as part of the Enterprising Britain Awards.

A ceremony to celebrate the honour, featuring a spectacular performance on the rooftop of Burnley College from opera singer Sean Ruane, was held on Tuesday.

Alex Hartley, 19, studied at Burnley College and is now an aerospace engineer apprentice at aerospace giant Aircelle, the borough’s largest private sector employer.

He said: “This is excellent for Burnley.

“We’ve got a long tradition of manufacturing so this is fantastic for the people of Burnley to get this recognition.

“I think it was that tradition that made me go into engineering.”

Zayanah Mansor, 22, who works at Hycrome (Europe) Ltd in Widow Hill Road after a four-year apprenticeship in mechanical engineering, said her firm had invested heavily in her studies, and the award was great recognition for companies that have offered training to youngsters.

Meanwhile, business leaders said award was a result of the community working together.

Stephane Cueille, managing director of Aircelle said: “I’m very impressed by the breadth of manufacturing here — a vibrant aerospace and automotive sector supported by many service businesses, an excellent property market, and a local council that is very business friendly.”

Local businessman Dave Fishwick, of Channel 4’s Bank of Dave, said: “This is great news for the town. In a time when local businesses across the UK are struggling, it’s fantastic that a number of enterprises in Burnley are thriving.

“It is proof of what you can achieve through hard work and a community working together. Well done Burnley, and long may it continue.”

Burnley mayor Frank Cant, who works at Aircelle, said: “It’s fantastic that we’ve won a national award like this. It’s a glorious day for Burnley and will hopefully attract even more businesses to the town. The town has had a bad reputation in recent years which I always thought was undeserved.”