COASTING East Lancashire schools should be encouraged to become academies according to education secretary Nicky Morgan.

The Conservative minister made the comments during a visit to Lomeshaye Village Day Nursery, Nelson, alongside Tory Pendle candidate Andrew Stephenson.

Mrs Morgan also said that if demand was high enough in the region then more free schools should be opened as well.

Her visit comes after the Labour shadow education secretary Tristram Hunt visited Blessed Trinity RC College in Burnley with the party's candidate Julie Cooper.

Mrs Morgan, who is standing for re-election in her Loughborough constituency, was given a tour of the nursery and talked to members of staff about the issues that it faces such as government funding and the Disclosure and Barring Service checks.

Whilst making pledges on the future of academies and free schools in East Lancashire she refused to comment further on her move to start the process for Pleckgate High School in Blackburn to convert to academy status.

She said: "Academies drive up standards in schools and what we want is the best for our children.

"If there are failing or coasting schools in East Lancashire then we would like to see them do something to raise their standards.

"Free schools are demand led and if there is that interest in this region then I can see more being set up.

"I can see that this nursery is a fantastic supportive environment for the children and I had a good talk with the staff about the provision for two to four year olds."

Louise Watkinson, who has been the nursery manager for seven years, said: "It's helpful for us to have a senior politician come and hear what issues we are facing.

"It's good that we can tell her about the concerns we have over government funding and also the problems with the Disclosure and Barring Service checks."

Under the DBS system a person applying for a role with young children will be checked as well as anyone else living in their household.

Mr Stephenson, who is seeking re-election, said: "I'm delighted that Nicky has come here and she has been able to see what an outstanding nursery this is.

"It's really important that senior government ministers understand the issues surrounding places like this."