FIGURES showing a new start-up loans scheme has helped more than 1,000 North West entrepreneurs have been welcomed by an MP.

A Government Start-Up Loans Scheme has reportedly helped 1,262 entrepreneurs set up businesses in the region, and 10,000 nationwide.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry said: “Because of the financial crisis we inherited, budding entrepreneurs have often found it hard to get a loan.

This has prevented people with ideas and aspiration from putting their business plans into action.

“Start-up loans are ensuring all of this potential doesn’t go to waste.

“New businesses are the lifeblood of a healthy economy, helping create jobs and growth. “ According to the figures, Blackburn with Darwen has seen 78 start-up loans, worth a total of £475,230, while in Rossendale, there have been 13, worth £63,500.