CHILDREN in different parts of East Lancashire had mixed fortunes getting in their first choice school.

In Blackburn with Darwen seven per cent more youngsters secured their first choice secondary up 101 to 1,427.

And 75 students were left with their third choice compared to 112 last year.

However, in Lancashire County Council slightly fewer children gained their first choice of high school - a drop of 536 to 11,909, a fall of 4.5 per cent.

Overall more children in county council schools were given their second and third choices compared to last year.

Coun Chris Thayne, executive member of children's services for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "It is very pleasing to see a higher percentage of families receiving their first preference of secondary school this year, and there are no children in the borough who have not been allocated a school place for September so the council did not have to use any random allocation of places this year.

"We understand that there will be parents who are disappointed, and support is available for those parents from the independent choice advisor.

"Parents also have a right of appeal to an independent appeal panel."