CAR repair firm Karl Vella’s East Lancashire site is set to share in a £250,000 ‘green’ investment plan and new jobs.

The company is creating new apprenticeships and buying energy-efficient lighting and new flooring in a bid to reduce carbon emissions and costs.

The improvements and new jobs will take place at Karl Vella’s site in Ordnance Street, Furthergate, Blackburn, as well as its depots in Southport, Preston, Barrow and Skelmersdale.

Operations director David Vella said: “This is great news and demonstrates our commitment to the area in what is now our 25th year in business.

“We’ve already taken on new staff and this autumn we will also be taking on apprentices - something which is important to us as we’ve always found it important to have a highly skilled workforce.

“It is a tough economic climate at the moment but by investing, we are able to stay at the forefront of our industry.”