NEW figures revealing youth unemployment in Hyndburn has dropped by 68 per cent since 1997 have been welcomed by MP Greg Pope.

The figures, announced by the Government this week, also revealed that, nationally, 850,000 more people are in work than before Labour's General Election victory in 1997.

Mr Pope said: "We are determined to help young people get into work.

"The big cut has been implemented partly thanks to the introduction of New Deal, which is equipping people with the skills and experience they need to succeed.

"Current policies are helping get people back into work."

He added: "We should also note that Working Families Tax Credit has helped an extra 2,959 families in Hyndburn get into work, pushing down unemployment levels further."

Year on year, employment has risen by 258,000 across the country.