BURNLEY named as one of the UK’s leading 'Tech Towns' in a new report.

It is one of 16 places identified a higher than average number of digital businesses and jobs.

The Tech Nation 2018 Report highlights Burnley's increasing reliance in IT employment and puts in on a par with the UK's 'Silicon Valley' along the River Thames west of London.

Mark Crabtree, managing director of AMS Neve, said: "Burnley has established a Digital Cluster Group which is probably the most advanced in Lancashire and we are working to make the town a premier location for such businesses with the new Landmark project and Vision Park."

Council leader, Cllr Mark Townsend said: "Burnley came 2nd in the UK last year for digital jobs growth, so I'm not surprised we've featured as a top Tech Town - I'm delighted."

Cllr Townsend added: "Burnley is embracing digital technology which will have huge rewards for the town's economy, making us a more competitive and prosperous place.

"The digital economy is leading the growth of Burnley's economy and we've been working to raise the profile of the town as a successful digital cluster, to rival the clusters of Manchester, Leeds and even London, creating new business space such as Vision Park to house growing digital businesses."