EAST Lancashire's movers and shakers have praised the Lancashire Telegraph for its continuing contribution to the area and its community over 13 decades.

Former Labour Cabinet Minister and MP for Blackburn MP for 36 years Jack Straw said: "The Lancashire Telegraph and its predecessors the Northern Daily Telegraph and Lancashire Evening Telegraph have played a fundamental role in the life of of the communities of North-East Lancashire for 130 years.

"It is a daily miracle that here is still a daily quality paid for newspaper in the area thanks to the professionalism and sacrifice of its journalists.

"I wish it well for the next 130 years."

Burnley-born ex-Conservative Cabinet Minister and former MP for Nelson and Colne, Clitheroe and Ribble Valley Lord David Waddington said: "When I was MP I always knew that the Telegraph would not fail to report anything happening at Westminster which affected East Lancashire.

"I had complete trust in the Telegraph, knowing that its reporting would always be accurate,perceptive and fair.

"It is a great institution which is worthy of the respect and support of all of us who care for the North West and East Lancashire in particular."

Liberal Democrat Lord and deputy leader of Pendle Council Tony Greaves said: "People nowadays say we can do without newspapers - what nonsense!

"Only a daily paper can provide a steady and reliable flow of local news with any permanence beyond the next tweet.

"Local newspaper such as the Lancashire Telegraph are the anchor on which everything else depends.

"The day they disappeared would be the day local democracy dies."

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Mike Damms said: "The Lancashire Telegraph celebrates its 130th birthday this year, and coincidentally the Chamber of Commerce has its 130th anniversary next year.

"That means that our histories have been interlinked from the Victorian period when Britain and East Lancashire was the world’s manufacturer through the 20th Century and the television and internet ages through to the modern day.

"For most of this period, print has been the prime means of getting news out, informing debates, challenging the establishment and bringing the area alive through its stories of every day folk – a role the Lancashire Telegraph continues to fulfil.

"While modern electronic media is part of their way forward there is always going to be a requirement for journalism and indeed print is proving resilient.

"We value our relationship with the Telegraph and look forward to being its partner to the benefit of East Lancashire for many years into the future. It is simply irreplaceable."

Long-serving former Burnley MP Peter Pike said: "I congratulate the Lancashire Telegraph on its 130th birthday.

"Much has changed in the area since the first edition. The Telegraph itself has changed the name several times and also the format but what an achievement to still be being published daily.

"It is very much an integral part of North East Lancashire or as we tend to know it now Pennine Lancashire providing good local and regional news on a daily basis - and a good read!

"In this day of moving to digital publication, I wish the paper well and hope it can go on serving the area and the local people for another 130 years.

"Well done to all involved and all the best for the future."