MP Peter Pike and Education and Skills Minister Ivan Lewis have joined forces to praise the Connexions Service in Burnley.

The Minister recently visited the new careers, opportunities and skills service in the town following a good initial Ofsted inspection report into the service.

Mr Lewis agreed with Peter Pike that his visit to Burnley showed what an excellent job the Connexions Service is doing, and supported the findings of the Ofsted report.

He said: "Burnley is going through difficult times. On my recent visit, it was encouraging and reassuring to meet directly young people who are benefiting from the Connexions Service by seeing life chances and opportunities opening up.

"We need such policy developments to ensure that people in areas such as Burnley do not turn to extremist parties, but see the direct benefits of mainstream politics and politicians. One of those benefits is the development of the Connexions Service, an initiative of which the Government are incredibly proud."

Mr Pike said:"With the help of the Connexions Service the next generation of school leavers will benefit from a support package that should help to prepare them for life by providing greater opportunities, linking with training and other services to give school leavers the best chance as they move into adulthood."