The current partnership between Labour and the Liberal Democrats to run a 'hung' East Lancashire local authority could be extended.

Talks between the two parties over the future control of Burnley Council are continuing.

In last week's local elections, Labour gained gained two seats meaning it now has 21 councillors, two short of the 23 which would have given it overall control.

Active talks are under way over continuing the Labour and Liberal Democrat partnership which has been in charge of the authority of late, which now has seven Conservatives, seven Lib Dems, seven Greens, and three Burnley and Padiham Independents.

Meetings of the Labour and Lib Dem groups have agreed to continue discussions and extending their pact.

Labour group and current council leader Cllr Afraisiab Anwar said: "Meetings are continuing.

"The Labour group has agreed to this.

"My view is that the current arrangement has worked well for Burnley, delivering for it residents and should continue.

"That would be the best thing for everybody."

Lib Dem leader Gordon Birtwistle said: "The group voted by a majority that talks with Labour should continue.

"Our negotiators are going back to them with proposals to continue with the arrangements that have been in place for the last two years."

Under the existing pact the Lib Dems would vote for Cllr Anwar to become leader of the council in return for a Lib Dem councillor sitting on the borough's ruling executive.

For the last two years that has been Briercliffe ward's Cllr Maggie Lishman as health and wellbeing boss.