MORE jobs, more money for the community and getting Leigh RL in the Super League are among MP hopeful Andy Burnham's aims.

Mr Burnham, who grew-up in Culcheth, celebrates his 31st birthday on Sunday at his parents' Common Lane home. He is a strong contender in Labour's candidature battle brought on by Leigh MP Lawrence Cunliffe's retirement decision. A former Lancashire Schoolboys cricketer who bowled for Atherton CC and played local league soccer, Mr Burnham is special adviser to Chris Smith, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. At present he covers policy and political advice on all areas, but particularly sport.

His job has involved helping double lottery grants to former coalfield areas, getting free TV licences for people aged 75 and over and securing £750 million of Lottery cash for playing fields and school sports facilities for deprived communities.

He was instrumental in securing a Sky TV deal and getting £7m Premier League money for grass roots football. Mr Burnham, married to Frankie and with a 10 months old son, Jimmy, joined the Labour party 16 years ago after the miners' strike.

He said: "I saw first-hand the damage the Tories did to local communities and the families of school friends who lived in Lowton and Golborne.

"The injustice sickened me, I wanted better for working people in this area -- and still do."