A PEOPLE'S bank covering East Lancashire's boroughs has been given a £50,000 leg-up by a high street giant.

Pennine Community Credit Union has branches based in Burnley, Nelson and Colne.

But it has also been reaching out to would-be savers in Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Ribble Valley and Rossendale.

Their ability to offer savings accounts and affordable loans across the region has been boosted by assistance from the Lloyds Bank Credit Union Development Fund.

Kathryn Fogg, Pennine's chief executive, said: "This has provided us with reserves, enabling us to continue to comply with regulatory requirements following the opening of our new branch in Burnley town centre."

Recently the credit union relocated its Burnley office from Centenary Court to St James Street.

Nick Williams, Lloyds' north west ambassador, added: "We're committed to helping Britain prosper, which is why we’re proud to support the Pennine Community Credit Union."