A PARISH council in Pendle has been upgraded to a town.

Earby Parish Council was formed in 1974, but members have now decided it should be reborn again as a town council.

Coun Chris Tennant, chairman of the council, said: “In practical terms, there won’t be a lot of change.

"But Earby is not a village, it’s a town and should be recognised as such.”

The change of status has been driven by Coun Morris Horsfield.

He said: “We’re getting bigger and doing more.

"I’d like to see some of the small jobs like grass-cutting, which are done by the borough and county councils, come back.

"I’d also like Earby to eventually get a lengthsman and to see jobs done locally by local people who then spend their money locally.”