TWENTY jobs are to be created in Blackburn by a company involved in the £1million rescue of Accrington firm Automotive Applied Technologies (AAT).

Maxillia Asset Management has bought local pub operator Cisco Bars and also a stake in Noble Security Group based in Cheshire.

The deals are said to be worth over £1million for the Birmingham-based company.

Bosses said they were looking at increasing their portfolio of 10 pubs in the area and also plan to open offices in Blackburn.

The pubs include the Ewood Arms and Infirmary Hotel in Blackburn and the Park Inn and Entwistle Arms in Darwen.

A regional office for Maxillia to support their new buys in the area is expected to open in Blackburn in the next few weeks creating 20 jobs.

Managing director Craig Rustidge said Maxillia was now looking to expand in East Lancashire.

He said: "We are looking to increase our market share in Lancashire and double the number of outlets that we currently provide."

The Noble Security Group provides door staff and Mr Rustidge said that the company will be managed in partnership with Darwen-based Full Circle security.

Maxillia was involved last month in a £1million takeover of troubled Accrington company AAT, saving 90 jobs.

The staff at AAT, based in Exchange Street, faced redundancy if a buyer could not be found.

But the future of the business, which manufactures trims for cars, was secured after it was purchased by West Midlands based firm Meba Limited. It appointed Maxillia as office and personnel managers of AAT.