AN East Lancashire telecoms company is creating 20 jobs at its call centre to cope with growing demand for its services.

New Call Telecom, based on the Lomeshaye industrial estate in Nelson, has announced a recruitment drive meaning its workforce has nearly doubled to 190 since the start of the year.

The jobs boost was announced alongside a visit to the centre by Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson, who welcomed the expansion.

Mr Stephenson, Conservative MP for Pendle, said: “It is inspiring to see how a local enterprise has managed to fulfil its business targets while contributing to the region’s growth by hiring local candidates.”

New Call has grown strongly as a result of the success of its award-winning broadband and phone offers since it relocated its Indian contact centre operation from Mumbai, India, to Burnley in 2011.

It began 2013 with 100 employees and, after adding more during last year and earlier this year, the latest sales recruits will take its workforce to 190.

The company is strongly committed to the local community and actively promotes employee education and training through the New Call Academy apprenticeship scheme.

Nigel Eastwood, chief executive of New Call Telecom, said: “This latest recruitment initiative and business expansion is driven by our strong growth and business commitment.

“Since relocating to Lancashire we have received a number of industry awards and best value recommendations in recognition of our impressive offering.

“It is vital that we continue to employ the best and most passionate staff to ensure our success.”