A BLACKPOOL credit union has signed up its 500th member in the form of the town's Mayor, Councillor Granville Heap.

Tower View Community Credit Union acts as a savings account for Blackpool residents, and in four years has gone from strength to strength.

President Ron Batters said: "To reach 500 members in that time is excellent. We heard Mr Heap was interested in joining and thought it would be great to have such a prominent figure with us."

Mr Heap said he was pleased to be asked to join the union when he signed on the dotted line at Queen's Park Community Centre, Laycock Gate, Layton.

"It is an excellent scheme, especially for one-parent and low income families, allowing them to have a better lifestyle, " he explained.

The Union currently covers anyone within a 12-square-mile area, but is awaiting the result of an application to extend its coverage from St Annes through to Fleetwood.

Pictured is Coun Heap signing the form watched by, from left, Ron Batters, Colin Lilley, of Lancashsire County Development Agency, and Matt Taylor, secretary.