ONE of Blackburn's biggest manufacturers today announced around 25 job losses.

Presspart Manufacturing said it needed to cut jobs to secure the future of the rest of the 240-strong workforce at its Whitebirk factory.

The firm's group chief executive today blamed the high strength of the pound and increasing competition for the need to reduce costs.

Presspart manufactures metal components for the pharmaceutical and medical industries and metal pressings used across the world.

The firm said it would do everything possible to minimise the job losses and Mr John Ainsworth, group chief executive, stressed Presspart had a strong future.

"We are the world's leading supplier of metal components for medical devices particularly for the treatment of asthma."

And he said the firm was working on a number of developments with customers across the world.

"These demonstrate that our future growth prospects are excellent."