FOUR manufacturing companies are taking advantage of a grant scheme which is paying for them to move into Hyndburn - creating 21 new jobs in the borough.

The firms took up the offer of a move to the borough after Hyndburn Council urged companies to take up a European grant scheme offer before it expired at the end of last year.

A food manufacturer from Somerset is moving to Great Harwood, creating 14 new jobs, after it was was offered a grant of £2,500. A catalytic converter company from Nelson will bring two other new jobs to the town after a similar grant.

And a garden stoneware firm from Blackburn is using a £2,000 handout to facilitate its move to Accrington.

Xavier Engineering Ltd is relocating to Altham from Burnley, creating two new jobs, after getting a £4,000 grant. Ken McIlvennie of the company said: "We were already in discussions with the council about our company expansion plans, and we jumped at the chance of securing this contribution to our relocation costs." Coun Peter Clarke, chairman of the economic development board, said: "I am delighted. This was linked to job creation and these are 21 new jobs."

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