LANCASHIRE MPs are pushing for the government's new national 'Cyber Force' will be located at Salmesbury.

Last week the Prime Minister announced that the new hi-tech computer intelligence group would be sited in the North West.

The Boris Johnson pledged it would be located in a ‘Cyber Corridor’ in the region creating and sustain thousands of jobs in defence and intelligence.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said: “I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement about the national Cyber Force coming to the North-West, and along with Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay HoyleI am campaigning to get it in Lancashire at Samlesbury.

“The North-West has a strong record within the defence sector, which currently sustains more than 35,000 jobs in the area alone. Lancashire sits at the heart of that industry, but it also sits in the middle of the United Kingdom.

"Samlesbury is easily accessible from both central and east Lancashire, and with good transport links, a highly educated and skilled workforce, it’s clear that locating the Cyber Force in the area would help to create highly skilled jobs, and would push forward the ‘levelling-up’ agenda.”

Sir Lindsay said: “I believe the creation of a cyber corridor with the National Cyber Force based here in Lancashire would be a huge boost.

"The work conducted by the cyber force is critical in order to counter the growing threat from terrorists and organised criminal gangs. The initiative will bring well paid, high skilled jobs to our county."