ROSSENDALE and Darwen MP Jake Berry yesterday spoke of the need to maintain the area’s manufacturing tradition in his maiden speech to the House of Commons.

Rossendale was the centre of the world’s slipper trade, while Darwen was the birthplace of wallpaper, and both were major centres for the textile industry.

Mr Berry said: “Rossendale and Darwen were at the centre of the first industrial revolution.

“This white-hot flame of innovation that led to the invention of wallpaper and the introduction of the first power looms still burns in the breast of every young person in my constituency, and we must do all we can to foster their full potential.

“I applaud the Government’s commitment to investing in workplace apprenticeships to ensure our young people, especially in Rossendale and Darwen, have the correct menu of skills to continue our strong tradition of local manufacturing.”

He referred to local firms J&J Ormerod in Stacksteads and James Killelea in Crawshawbooth as examples of how local businesses were part of the community.

He said: “It is not the landscape, beautiful as it is, that binds together this area of East Lancashire, but the character of the people who live in it.

“I optimistically predict that Rossendale will prosper and become a regional manufacturing superpower.”

He also acknowledged the work of his predecessor Janet Anderson, describing her as 'hard-working'.

He said: “She will especially be remembered for her pioneering support and work for local Sure Start centres, and I take the opportunity to pay tribute to her.”

Mr Berry also paid tribute to his local Helmshore pub the Robin Hood public describing the beer, and the welcome, as second to none, especially on a Friday evening.