LEIGH MP Andy Burnham has hit the jackpot with the area's social clubs.

He has urged the Government to reject plans to ban £100 payout machines after officials slammed a gambling review proposal in response to concerns about underage gambling.

At a meeting with culture secretary Tessa Jowell, Mr Burnham said he stressed the importance of clubs to the Leigh community and urged her to protect a vital source of income.

He said: "The Leigh area has a strong tradition of social and members' clubs. They are an important part of our heritage, but many are struggling to survive and need every penny they can get.

"I stressed that our clubs have a strong community and family ethos and that they simply wouldn't allow underage gambling to go on. I urged her to reject this recommendation out of hand."