SEVERAL firms and organisations in East Lancashire have signed up to a skills pledge.

The Christmas campaign has earned the backing of the likes of Forbes Solicitors, +24 Marketing in Burnley and UCLan.

Twenty-five names have been added to the promise to invest in the skills of people living and working in the countyw, which has been drawn up by the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership.

Sam Keegan, +24's marketing manager, said: "Every business will need to recruit new digital talent in the coming years so we're keen to start laying the foundations now.

"It's easy to sign the Skills Pledge so we would encourage all businesses to commit. By working together, we can make a real difference to Lancashire."

Steve Fogg, the LEP chairman, handed out certificate to those taking part, who also included Growth Lancashire, Lancashire Work Based Learning Forum and Lancashire County Council.

He added: "Employers deserve recognition for the things they do to upskill their staff."