A GO-ahead firm in Burnley has been praised for its enterprising spirit by the town’s MP during Prime Minister’s Question Time.

MP Gordon Birtwistle told the House of Commons that Lupton and Place had secured new diecasting machinery worth 1.3million euros.

And the technology would be creating six extra job opportunities at the Athletic Street plant as part of an engine component deal signed with luxury car maker Jaguar.

The parts are due to be delivered later in the year.

Mr Birtwistle said he contract could have been lost to the Far East — but he was pleased East Lanc-ashire engineering know-how had won out.

Speaking after the debate, the MP said: “It is fantastic that firms in Burnley are prepared to invest to secure these kind of deals.”

The MP, who has been in discussions with the company, said that they had been assisted by the capital allowances on plant and machinery brought in by the government.

The firm, which has been running for nearly 28 years, has a number of contracts with luxury car marques, particularly in braking sys-tems.

It also specialises in cast-ings and components for the defence, entertainments and white goods industries. Tod-ay the company, which has a 130-strong workforce, is run by managing director Steve Gill. His father Derek Gill, who formerly ran the firm, is an ex-financial director of Burnley FC.