MANY East Lancashire firms ground to a halt for 90 minutes as England bounced back to make the second round of the World Cup.

Thousands of workers left early to watch the one-nil win against Slovenia at home or in pubs, while lessons were cancelled at scores of schools for screenings of the game.

But at many firms work ground to a halt for 90 minutes from 3pm yesterday, with big screens brought into offices and factories.

These included services firm Capital Symonds, Barbara Castle Way, Blackburn, and Daisy Communications, Lomeshaye Industrial Estate, Nelson.

Capita business development manager Donna Neely said: “We know our staff are passionate about the World Cup and we wanted to give them the opportunity to follow the tournament.

“This means they can watch as many games as they want and work back the time."

Andy Turner, 41, a project manager, said: “We can work around the games, which is great.

“It brings a great atmosphere to the office so hopefully England can do us proud.”

Fiona Ritchie, part of the PR team at Daisy, said: “It was a great atmosphere and staff worked extra hard to be able to watch the game.

“I think more people will watch the games later in the tournament now England have got through.”

Richard Keogh, who works at the centre, said: “It was more uncomfortable than I thought it would be but we are through and that is that.

“We showed desire on the pitch and we need to take that through to the next round.”

Staff gathered in the canteen and enjoyed the game while eating iced lollies and cold drinks.