A TRADITIONAL blacksmith who blamed the "computer generation" for his struggle to find new staff has been inundated with applications - thanks to an appeal in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

Brian Rourke blamed youngsters' obsession with computers and games consoles, and the long-term decline of wood and metalwork classes in school, for the lack of interest in craft trades.

The 66-year-old, boss of B Rourke and Co, said that meant he could not fill six posts which had come up at the Burnley-based wrought ironsmiths.

But when his gripe was featured in the pages of the Telegraph, it sparked a flood of applications from people across east Lancashire, all eager to prove him wrong.

Brian said: "We've had a tremendous response to the article. It shows the power of the Press. One application letter arrived within 10 minutes of the paper hitting the street.

"I haven't counted the applications, but I reckon we've had about 50. They've come from people living all over the area -- from Blackburn to Rawtenstall -- and of all ages.

"We'll be interviewing people on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. I don't care how old or young they are, if they are keen and enthusiastic. We'll train them from scratch, if need be."

At the moment 70 of the firm's 100 staff are busy metalworking and the company is on the up, with a year's worth of orders on the books.

Customers include celebrities such as former boxer Mike Tyson, Manchester United and England footballer Phil Neville and Portsmouth FC manager Harry Redknapp.

And ironwork produced by the company has appeared on TV and in films.

Mr Rourke launched his foundry firm when he was 23. From a £334 turnover in 1961, its turnover last year was nearly £5million.

He added: "I believe manufacturing should be at the heart of the country's economy."