SMALL and medium-sized businesses in Lancashire are being encouraged to explore the possibilities of a new £250m lending fund, set up by a high street bank.

Bosses at HSBC say the pot is available for county enterprises looking to expand - or successfully negotiate the pressures posed by Brexit.

The Lancashire Fund is part of a wider £14b reserve for similar firms across the UK, it has been confirmed.

Mike Hemingway, regional director for the north, HSBC UK, said: "The launch of this year's fund shows our commitment to support the growth aspirations of SMEs across Lancashire – from Blackpool to Burnley and Chorley to Carnforth.

"This fund is all about helping businesses to take new opportunities and grow and we want to reassure them that we’re here to support them in achieving their goals."

The bank now only have East Lancashire branches in Blackburn, Burnley and Clitheroe, having closed sites in Rawtenstall, Nelson and Accrington in recent years.