THE fastest-growing community bank in East Lancashire is celebrating its latest notable recruitment.

Irwin Gay, of Cowes Avenue, Haslingden, is the 200th member of the Haslingden and Helmshore Credit Union.

He was presented with a certificate and instant credit to boost his new savings account at a family fun night.

And business must be good because wife Carol has signed up as member number 201.

The Haslingden and Helmshore Credit Union was set up five years ago and assets have grown from £19,000 to £32,000 in the last year alone.

It also now has two development workers, thanks to help from the Action for Haslingden Initiative.

Action for Haslingden managing director Sally Collins said the credit union was a key element in her organisation's community programme and played an important role in anti-poverty strategies for the area.

Marilyn Procter, chairman of the credit union, said the bank was now expanding at four times the rate promised in its proposal for funds, with members ranging from well-paid professionals to OAPs and children.

"The credit union is making a real difference to the lives of people in Haslingden and Helmshore.

"And, with the prospect of a new union in Rawtenstall to link with the one in Bacup, nearly everyone in Rossendale will soon have access to their own community bank," she said.

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