HOUSE prices in Blackburn and Darwen are still rising faster than in the rest of county, according to latest figures.

Average prices for houses sold in the first three months of the year was £46,051, up from £42,192 in the same period last year -- a rise of just over nine per cent.

Across the rest of Lancashire, excluding Blackpool, prices rose from £57,309 to £60,638, a rise of just under six per cent.

The figures, compiled by the Land Registry, are based on actual prices houses are sold for.

Detached homes in Blackburn and Darwen saw the biggest percentage rise, from £80,807 to £95,518. Semi-datched homes rose from £48,322 to £55,619 and terraced homes increased from £30,459 to £31,176.

Until recently average house prices in the borough were the second cheapest in England and Wales but they are now the third lowest ahead of Stoke and Hull.

Across the North West prices rose from £58,931 to £63,824, an increase of 8.3 per cent. But other regions of the country saw larger increases over the period.

In England and Wales prices rose by 16.85 per cent to an average of £99,295.

Quarterly figures for house prices in Blackburn and Darwen have only been available since the borough was granted unitary authority status.

Figures for other parts of East Lancashire are included with the ones for the rest of Lancashire.