EAST Lancashire will get a further job boost when a conservatory manufacturer opens its new plant.

More than 20 jobs will be created when Ultraframe, based in Salthill Road, Clitheroe, starts production at its new Hyndburn plant at the end of this month.

The site next to Junction 7 of the M65, in Clayton-le-Moors, will take over production from the firm's Bristol plant to improve efficiency and modernise production.

The news comes weeks after the North West Development Agency recently announced that 2,000 other jobs were to be created at a high-tech business park, the East Lancashire Knowledge Park , off the Whitebirk roundabout near the M65.

And developer Haslam Homes said it is to create 50 new skilled trades jobs when it starts construction of 60 new homes at its North West headquarters, at Alleytroyds Reservior, off Blackburn Road, Accrington, in April or May next year.

Managing director of Ultraframe UK Nick Gale said: "We are delighted to provide additional jobs in Lancashire

"The local workforce and modern plant will play an important part in our continued success and business efficiency."

An Ultraframe spokeswoman said: "The transfer of current production from Bristol was concluded in full consultation with employees.

"It will give greater efficiency and improved operating systems of a modern plant at the new site." Hyndburn Council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe said: "This is good news and is to be welcomed.

"Hyndburn has had some good news recently on the job front

"We recently found out that 2,000 jobs and a possible £60million of investment were coming when the high-tech business park begins construction in 2005.

"And then a matter of days later we received information that more jobs would be created by a home builder setting up its headquarters in Accrington.

"With all three this has proved to be very good few weeks for Hyndburn and East Lancashire."