JANET Anderson will tomorrow make a last-ditch attempt to persuade Airtours to reverse its decision to transfer its headquarters from Rossendale to Rochdale.

The Tourism Minister has already told the Evening Telegraph of her anger and disappointment at the proposal and will convey it in person to managing director Richard Carrick.

She will meet him at the Helmshore complex that the travel company is leaving for the former Co-op offices in Rochdale.

And she has the backing of Burnley MP Peter Pike and Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, who has an Airtours office in Accrington in his constituency and many of whose constituents are among the 1,000 who will now have to commute more than 30 miles to Greater Manchester.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Mrs Anderson said: "I will be meeting Mr Carrick, Airtours managing director, at Helmshore tomorrow.

"I'm not sure if I can persuade him to change his mind, but I'm going to try.

"I will point out that they have been in Rossendale for a long time and have a very loyal and able workforce there. I will ask if there is anything that I or the council can do to persuade the company to stay in Helmshore."

Government Whip Mr Pope said: "I am extremely concerned at this move. I fully support Janet in her efforts to secure a change of heart."

Labour backbencher Mr Pike said: "I support Janet's efforts to keep the company in East Lancashire. It is a blow to the area."