MAJOR investment of more than £10m has been secured for a thriving telecoms firm near Burnley, with the promise of new jobs over the next two years.

New Call, based at Simonstone, made waves in 2011 when it announced it was moving its call centre from Mumbai to East Lancashire.

And now the same entrepreneurial spirit has attract-ed financial backing from leading City analyst Dr Jerome Wood.

He will be-come chairman of the fledgling company, which was founded three years ago, through a management buyout of US outfit PTGi by chief executive and former Burnley College student Nigel Eastwood.

Nearly 100 jobs have been created since the firm’s inception and New Call are on course to bolster their workforce to 200 by 2015.

Mr Eastwood said: “This deal is a key milestone for our business and testament to the hard work and dedication of all our teams.

“We are delighted to join forces with Jerome, who is going to become a great ambassador for our business, and like myself, has the vision, drive and ambition to shape our business into a major player.

“New Call is now very well positioned for extraordinary growth.”

The company is behind brands such as Primus Saver, Planet Talk, Just Dial and Rate Buster.

Dr Booth added: “This is a very special company with a great reputation, tal-ented and motivated management and employees.

“This, coupled with a loyal and growing customer base means there is a powerful investment case.”

Before pursuing his own business interests, Dr Booth was research head at City fund manager Ashmore Group.

New Call is now said to have its eyes on future takeovers.