FIRMS in East Lancashire must get ready to use to the 'euro' even if Britain doesn't join the Single Currency for several years, a Euro MP has warned.

And Mark Hendrick, member for Lancashire Central, said that the long term effects of the single currency would benefit the local economy.

"The positive effects in the long term are clear - a stable economic framework which will promote the development of internal trade, strengthen growth and create jobs," said Mr Hendrick, Labour's economic affairs spokesman in Europe.

He recently met Board of Trade president Margaret Beckett to discuss the progress of moves towards the single currency.

"British firms will have to prepare for the euro whether as a foreign currency or a domestic one," he warned.

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