PENDLE'S Labour MP Gordon Prentice has told Tony Blair to make further education a priority.

He made the demand at a meeting of the Labour Party's parliamentary committee, of which he is a member, with the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street.

He tackled Mr Blair after a recent visit to Nelson and Colne College to discuss the problems facing the FE sector with principal Kath Delton and lecturers.

Mr Prentice told the Prime Minister: "The situation is urgent and we need to conclude rapidly the review of student funding. Further education is at the forefront of the Government's education agenda. It needs the tools if it is to deliver."

Mr Prentice welcomed the publication of a new consultation paper on shaking up the FE sector but said the proposed £300million extra for colleges over the next two years was not enough.