DARWEN'S MP has welcomed new pension legislation which could help former employees of the town's Crown factory.

Janet Anderson said a recent announcement that the Department of Work and Pensions was giving £400million assistance to workers who lost their pensions, was good news for those made redundant last June.

The Belgrave Mills site closed, leaving more than 200 employees out of work.

Days after the closure it was revealed the firm's pension fund had been frozen.

The government has made it clear that new measures to ensure workers do not lose out if their employers go bust will not apply to those who have already missed out.

But a fund will now be established with £400million being paid in over 20 years, as well as the possibility of contributions from private industry.

Mrs Anderson said: "I am glad this has happened because it's all very well protecting people in the future, but what about those who have already lost out?

"What happened at Crown is an example of what this fund was set up for."