This month has been one of success and growth in Burnley and I am, as ever, so proud to be the MP to such a wonderful town.

I went along to the anniversary of the League of Voluntary Workers at Burnley General Hospital.

It was an incredible event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the volunteers who are dedicated to raising money for the benefit of the patients of Burnley hospital. It was wonderful to mix with so many caring people who give up their time. Their main aim now is now to recruit younger people to carry on their vital role. If anyone is interested in volunteering then please do contact me.

It was the state opening of Parliament which was a magnificent event and detailed some important things that will make a real difference to everyone in Burnley.

I am delighted with the way in which Burnley has outperformed many people’s expectations and once again unemployment has lowered again this month.

As Vince Cable pointed out if every place in Britain was like Burnley we wouldn’t be talking about a recession.

I also fully support the Childcare Payments Bill which is building on the £5billion per year the Government already spends on early education and childcare.

The Bill will introduce a scheme offering working families 20 per cent support towards qualifying childcare costs, up to a maximum of £2,000 per year for each child.

Following Nick Clegg’s announcement on 17 September 2013, we are introducing free school meals for every child in reception, Year 1 and Year 2 in state-funded schools from September 2014 which will make a huge difference to a number of Burnley families.

I have had several important meetings this month to try and build on services that are provided. I met with the Veteran’s Association to discuss future funding for their projects.

I also met Leslie Forsyth, chair of Healthwatch Lancashire to discuss the current services across the county.

I was also fortunate enough to meet with the Canal and River Trust to discuss safety on Burnley’s canals following the recent terrible accident which we must do everything to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

I am as ever happy to help constituents and I welcome them to my weekly Friday surgeries that take place at Sainsbury’s, Asda, Burnley Library and Padiham Leisure Centre.