A CASH injection of more than £1million has been earmarked for three Lancashire educational establishments to boost IT and adult learning opportunities for hundreds of students.

One award from the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP), using government Growth Deal funds, will provide £125,000 for a £300,000 centre of excellence for digital technology and innovation at Accrington and Rossendale College.

And another £750,000 has been allocated so that Lancashire Adult Learning College, under a scheme promoted by Nelson and Colne College, can relocate to the redeveloped Brierfield Mill.

Dr Michele Lawty-Jones, director of Lancashire Skills Hub, said. "Employers have told us that they will need more skilled employees in a number of key areas over the coming years if their businesses are to grow to their full potential.

"That's why the LEP is investing in transforming our post-16 educational facilities. Over the next few years, thousands of local people will be able to learn new skills, progress in work, and achieve economic well-being.

"A skilled workforce is a crucial part of our ambitious strategic growth programme to transform the the county's economy over the next decade, creating tens of thousands of new jobs and driving economic growth."

Another award should benefit the BAE Systems Training Centre at Samlesbury - a partnership with Lancaster University for an advanced manufacturing centre for skills development and employer engagement can get off the ground with a £670,000 for a £1.3million initiative.

The LEP has also given £200,000 to help fund the £510,000 cost of improving IT and digital facilities at Runshaw College, to upgrade facilities at their Leyland and Euxton campuses.

Up to 2021, the LEP has drawn up a skills and employment strategic framework. The latest £11million round, which has also seen investments made in Myerscough College and Blackpool and Fylde College, is part of a wider £30million programme.

Aerospace and advanced manufacturing, both key industries for East Lancashire, have been singled out as particularly important, with 21,800 positions required by the sectors before 2021.

The adult learning college is moving from Chorley to Pendle as the centrepiece of the £32million Northlight leisure, education, business and residential redevelopment.