ROSSENDALE and Darwen MP Jake Berry yesterday took the Northern Powerhouse to the people.

The government minister visited BAE Systems Samlesbury military aircraft factory and Bacup furniture manufacturer JJO plc on the Lancashire leg of a three-day tour of the northern England.

Northern Powerhouse Minister Mr Berry met staff and trade unions at the two companies before heading onto the Cammell Laird shipyard on Merseyside.

He said: “This is about meeting workers to talk about what this intiative offers them and the northern region.

“This is about bringing the Northern Powerhouse to the people and ensuring the region is at the heart of the next Industrial Revolution.”