TWO historic industrial museums have been saved from closure.

In November 2015 the then Labour-controlled Lancashire County Council announced that Queen Street Mill in Burnley, Helmshore Textile Mills would shut to save cash.

On Thursday the current Conservative administration approved deal which will see both open three days a week between Easter and the end of October for the next two years.

The move fulfils a promise made by Burnley-born Cllr Geoff Driver to the Lancashire Telegraph when he resumed his position of county council leader in May last year.

The authority's Cabinet also agreed to extend the 'care and maintenance' regime for the two Victorian heritage mills while the county council seeks a more permanent arrangements with the unnamed organisations taking over running the two museums.

Burnley Labour MP Julie Cooper said: "This is really welcome news.

"These two mills are not just jewels in Lancashire's heritage crown but national treasures.

"There has been a lot of team work in this but well done Geoff Driver for keeping his promise.

"Praise where praise is due."

Burnley council's Labour leader Mark Townsend said: "This is brilliant news."

Queen Street Mill is scheduled to reopen on Saturday July 7, coinciding with the return after a 10 year break of the Briercliffe Gala.

Helmshore Textile Mills Museum is due to welcome visitors again on the Spring Bank Holiday weekend of May 26 and 27 May.

Queen Street Mill, which as the only fully working steam powered set of textile looms in the country, featured in the 2010 Oscar -winning film The King's Speech.

Rossendale and Darwen Tory MP Jake Berry said: "Helmshore Textile Museum reopening is fantastic news.

"Seeking to close it and Queen Street Mill was was a disgrace.

"I am delighted that Lancashire County Council have agreed to re-open these internationally renowned heritage centres.

"But there is more work to be done to secure their long-term future."

Northern Powerhouse Minister Mr Berry presented a 10,500 signature petition to Ten Downing Street in 2016.

Cllr Driver, who was brought up in Rossendale and whose mother Jenny was a weaver, said: "I am delighted I was able to fulfil my promise to reopen these two mills.

"They are not just Lancashire heritage assets but national ones.

"The previous Labour administration had not even made provision for care, maintenance and heating of them."

In May 2015 after the Conservatives regained control of County Hall from Labour, Cllr Driver told the Lancashire Telegraph: “I personally will make every effort to re-open the Queen Street Mill in Burnley and Helmshore Textile Mill Museum."