A TOTAL of 50 jobs are set to be created in East Lancashire in a bid to help ease strain on homecare services for elderly people.

Prestige Nursing and Care has announced plans to recruit additional staff to meet the rising demand from across the region as the ageing population continues to grow.

Figures from the Office for National statistics show that the number of people aged 80 and over in Lancashire is set to rise by 35 per cent, from 61,000 people to 82,000 by 2024.

The company says that the shift in the age profile of residents has created a pressing need to increase the amount of workers in the sector.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry has welcomed the news, He said: “The creation of another 50 jobs in East Lancashire is very welcome and shows long term investment in the local economy.

“The UK has an ageing population and more jobs will need to be created to meet the growing demand.

“It is a very rewarding career and with more job vacancies arising it is a good area to train in.”

John Watson, Director of Prestige Nursing and Care East Lancashire said the firm, based at Blackburn Rovers Enterprise Centre, is looking to extend their care to provide support for more than 300 elderly people. He said: “The needs of our staff and our clients are our top priority as demand grows for care support.

“By recruiting and preparing now we will be better equipped to meet the inevitable rise in demand over the long term.

“This scale of recruitment is unparalleled for us and will come at just the right time, as population projections show Lancashire’s over-80s will grow significantly over the next few years.

“This will have a direct impact on care needs and acting to address this now will help us offer vital support to the local community.”

However, the company, in East Lancashire since 2009, says the sector faces challenges recruiting staff with carers taking on more work as the number of people requiring support grows.

The company, which has been in East Lancashire since 2009, offers occasional relief and day-to-day assistance to 24 hour care and supporting short-staffed residential homes.