A PROJECT which has helped 25 people back into work could be rolled out across East Lancashire.

Plans are now being drawn up that could see Rossendale Works being replicated across Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Pendle, Ribble Valley and Burnley.

Eighty others are involved in work-related activities and 20 are volunteering. Another 22 are following sporting courses.

Paul Becourarn, from Active Lancashire, which is delivering the scheme on behalf of Rossendale Council, said: "I didn't expect this level of success. I had no idea how it was going to take off or how many relationships were going to be forged with employers."

His chief executive, Adrian Leather, is now looking to secure further support from economic development units across the area.

Cllr Alyson Barnes, council leader, added: "What we are doing is helping people to get back on their feet and into work, training or sports.

“When someone has been unemployed for a period of time getting back into work is not as simple or straightforward as they would want it to be."