A COMMUNITY bank with branches in Blackburn and Burnley has earned a top industry award for its loans operation.

East Lancs Moneyline has been named Credit Today’s ‘responsible lender of the year’ at the magazine’s annual awards in London.

The firm is best known locally for its activities in Higher Church Street, Blackburn, and Brown Street, Burnley.

But the company, from humble beginnings in Blackburn, has grown to incorporate 10 English branches and five outlets in Wales.

Last year alone staff lent £6million to 11,400 borrowers, mostly in small loans of around £500.

Plans are also being pursued to expand the East Lancs venture’s reach to 50 branches before the end of 2013.