AN ironsmith firm which struggled to find six blacksmiths has received almost 100 applications since an appeal in the Evening Telegraph.

Burnley's B Rourke and Co, Accrington Road, was unable to recruit new blacksmiths despite using job adverts and agencies.

Boss Brian Rourke blamed the problem on a "computer generation" and lack of technical education. But he has been inundated with applications since his plight was reported.

Now, he has recruited nine staff, three more than expected, and he thinks more could be hired.

He said: "We've had a tremendous response from the article. We had 95 applications from all over the area. It's been very heartening."

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce policy manager Valerie Miles said: "We're delighted at this result. It shows what a pro-active approach can do. Manufacturing is vital to the area and this is very gratifying. But it also shows there is a gap in the supply chain of individuals coming into industry."