THE first company to cash in on Burnley's £3 million Challenge Fund is creating 54 new jobs.

Pendle Aeroform will use a £127,000 grant to pay for environmental improvements at its factory in Hargher Street, Burnley.

The hi-tech firm makes parts for P3 ORION military plane, manufactured by US company Lockheed Martin, whose vice president, Frank Cappuccio, visited Burnley town hall yesterday (Wednesday, March 13) to see the cheque handed over.

Council leader Kath Reade presented the money to Steven Ward, managing director of Pendle Holdings Group, which includes Pendle Aeroform.

Mr Ward said: "We are very grateful to the council for the tremendous support they have shown."

Mrs Reade said: "This company is just one example of the new Burnley where the very latest in research and development is putting the town at the forefront of developing industries and technology."

Mr Cappuccio said: "I am very pleased to be here. Britain is a beautiful country, and Burnley is a beautiful town."

As a result of the grant Pendle Aeroform has already created an extra 35 jobs to add to its workforce of around 200. More local firms are set to benefit from the Challenge Fund over the next six years.

Mrs Reade added: "We are pleased that Burnley is emerging as a centre of excellence for all that is best in British manufacturing.

"Our prime aim is to create employment opportunities for the people who live in the borough, and Pendle Aeroform is the sort of go-ahead company that will help us to do that."

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