A MISSION to recruit 100 apprentices in 100 days in Burnley will be launched by the borough's MP today.

Gordon Birtwistle is calling on local firms to help him honour the pledge by the middle of autumn.

The MP will launch his ambitious employment drive at a manufacturing summit, featuring Business Secretary Vince Cable as a guest speaker, at the £81million Burnley College and UCLan campus.

Mr Birtwistle said: "This is something I have been looking to get started in Burnley and it will be launched at the summit.

"If we can try and ensure 100 apprentices are recruited over the next 100 days, over and above existing commitments, then that would be a tremendous boost for the town and surrounding areas."

The Liberal Democrat MP has championed advanced manufacturing and hi-tech employment since he arrived in Westminster following the May 2010 election.

The National Apprenticeship Service, which will be represented at today's summit, is firmly behind the new initiative.

And he believes with the planned arrival of the Knowledge Park, behind the college and university campus, off Princess Way, even more cuttting-edge firms can be tempted to set up shop in East Lancashire.

Leading executives from the likes of British Aerospace, Rolls Royce and Boeing UK will be in attendance at the summit, which will not only promote manufacturing but provide information about commerce, investment and banking.

Mr Birtwistle added: "This is a tremendous coup for the town and everything which is good about Burnley wil be showcased."

"Currently, we have a position where there are skilled jobs out there but we don't have people with the right skills to fill them.

"These firms have work and they need skilled workers so we need to increase apprenticeships to fill these positions."