Two East Lancashire towns' international students "added much-needed resources to the local economy" with both receiving millions of pounds, according to new data from London Economics.

Studies conducted by the research and analysis company revealed that the overall impact of international students nationally totalled £37.4billion.

An incoming Labour government has seen a rise in the number of people applying for courses and feedback from overseas after the change in the tone on immigration since the general elections.

But this year figures are down almost a third on last year after a crackdown from the previous Conservative government. 

The data revealed that Blackburn received the highest number of benefits from its 150 international students, many of whom study at Blackburn College.

Totalling £43m pounds in benefits and a net impact of £38m they provided an equivalent of £340 for each member of the resident population.

Economic benefits were calculated through tuition fee income, living costs and the income associated with friends and family visiting.

Additionally, the University of Central Lancashire has just developed a new film and television programme in the town which cost £750,000.

The university also has a key campus in Burnley, an area that recorded a net benefit of £23m in the last academic year equating to £200 per resident.

Pendle also strongly felt the benefits and created a £20m net positive impact, equating to £190 per resident.

Ribble Valley created £11m, Hyndburn £9m and Rossendale £7m as a result of the influx of international students. 

Professor Cathy Jackson, University of Central Lancashire’s Pro Vice-Chancellor said: “We’re a leading international, multi-campus university which welcomes students from more than 100 countries and has global partnerships with over 120 institutions.

“Our Burnley Campus is very important to us because not only do our East Lancashire-based students contribute financially to the local economy, but the vast majority are enrolled on medical and health-related courses and add much-needed resources into the local health economy.

“In addition, our international students come from all corners of the world and therefore enhance the cultural experiences of their fellow students and the local community too.”

Last year, vice-chancellors were called to review the number of international student admissions to British Universities after controversy in recruitment from overseas.

Universities had been accused of lowering entry standards for international students, who pay far higher tuition fees than UK students and effectively subsidise their education as well as research.