EAST LANCASHIRE was today handed another £4million European cash boost after being praised for way it had spent previous windfalls.

The performance of the three existing European-funded programmes managed by Blackburn with Darwen Council were rated as either 'excellent' or 'very good' in reviews carried out by the EU.

The reward for the positive reports - the best of any projects managed in the North West - is another £4million.

The money has been allocated by Europe to bolster two established projects.

The East Lancashire Partnership's £17 million Business and Ideas Programme received a further £3.5 million to support projects which help businesses, create jobs and encourage investment.

Blackburn with Darwen's People and Communities Programme - which covers targeted regeneration areas in the borough - has been given an extra £500,000 which will be used to develop a new neighbourhood learning centre at Pringle Street, Blackburn.

Council leader Bill Taylor said: "This excellent additional funding announcement is further recognition of the hard work perpetually being undertaken by the council and its partners in securing funding to help regenerate all parts of the borough.

"While much still needs to be done, we are making a real difference to all of our citizens' lives be it through new jobs, improved facilities or simply general improvements to the local community."

Coun Andy Kay, executive member for regeneration, said: "The efforts of all our local partnerships in delivering quality regeneration programmes has been recognised. This extra funding is a well deserved reward which will benefit all our communities in the Borough and the rest of East Lancashire."