THREE East Lancashire MPs have met with Regions Minister Alan Johnson in a bid to get extra government help to tackle the area's manufacturing jobs crisis.

Greg Pope, Gordon Prentice and Peter Pike discussed that recent redundancies, the problems of the vital aerospace industry, and the need for some university-style campus in the area to boost skills, training and education.

They also discussed the need to restore assisted area status to the sub-region.

All three Labour backbenchers were encouraged by his response.

Pendle MP Mr Prentice said: "We have some of the highest levels of employment in this sector in the country. More than 30 per cent in East Lancashire and much higher in my constituency.

"We talked about the need to modernise manufacturing and end the position where many firms are sited in unsuitable Victorian Cotton Mills in residential areas. He was very supportive.''

Hyndburn MP Mr Pope said: "I discussed with him the need for the Centre for Environmental Education and Research Technology to be sited in East Lancashire and the fact that it is supported by local universities including Central Lancashire and Lancaster, local authorities and the Regional Development Association. "

Mr Pike said: "The meeting with the Minister and East Lancs MPs was very useful. We spoke about the difficulties affecting the aerospace industry since September 11 and what the Government is doing and could do to help this in the industry survive.

A spokesman for Mr Johnson said: "Alan Johnson was happy to meet the East Lancashire MPs yesterday and listen closely to their concerns about job losses in the sub-region. The Minister made clear the government's strong commitment to the manufacturing sector in the area and underline the important work that he local Regional Development Agency was carrying out."