HOME Secretary Jack Straw opened the new remote video response centre of Guide Security Services.

The company recently moved to the Walker Park site, Blackburn, from Rawtenstall, and now monitor properties all over the area using high-tech equipment.

The Blackburn MP spoke at the ceremony in front of 70 members of the police, insurance services and industry.

Brian Shackleton, liason officer, said the CCTV equipment meant the firm had never made a false alarm call to police, often generated by conventional intruder alarm systems.