ASBESTOS is present in hospitals in East Lancashire, it has been revealed.

But hospital bosses said it is managed safely and poses no risk to patients, visitors or staff.

Freedom of information responses show asbestos containing materials have been identified at Royal Blackburn and Burnley General Hospitals, Pendle Community Hospital and Accrington Victoria Hospital.

The BBC investigation found there have been seven claims made against East Lancashire Hospitals trust for asbestos related exposure/disease since 2007.

Six of these claims are closed and one is a live claim.

Data shows there have been no reported incidents of asbestos exposure in the trust's hospital buildings over the past five years.

James Maguire, divisional director for estates and facilities at the trust, said: “In common with the majority of NHS trusts across the UK, small amounts of asbestos are safely contained within some of our facilities.

“We want to stress that, in line with The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, our hospitals are inspected every year to ensure asbestos is managed safely. No risk to patients, visitors or staff has been identified.

“When building works are carried out in an area containing asbestos, experts are brought in to dispose of it safely, as is the case currently at Accrington Victoria Community Hospital.”