TWENTY new jobs are in the pipeline for Hyndburn following the announcement that two firms are moving to the borough.

Outdoor sport facilities builder G. Thornton (Contracts) Ltd and sister firm Nordon Enterprises Ltd, manufacturer of sports surfaces, are setting up a factory at Altham Industrial Estate.

The firms move from York and Preston at the beginning of next month as part of a joint venture to have both operations under one roof.

It is believed the firms' relocation will also lead to the creation of an extra 10 jobs over the next two or three years.

The firms' managing director, Graham Thornton, said: "The main reason we chose East Lancashire was because of the quality of the industrial estates and the availability of local labour for our carpet tufting plant."

The group decided to relocate its Preston and York operations following a marketing campaign by East Lancashire Promotions Partnerships to attract investment to the area and create jobs.

Partnership marketing manager Liz Demaison said: "We are very pleased with the news. I am confident that quite a few more businesses will move to the area as a result of the campaign."

York-based G. Thornton (Contracts) Ltd builds outdoor sports facilities and Preston-based Nordon Enterprises Ltd manufactures and installs synthetic sports and domestic grass surfaces.

The two firms have worked together installing surfaces.

Their latest work includes the synthetic grass pitch for Lancashire Football Association's new headquarters in Leyland.

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