training chiefs have hit out at a survey which dubbed East Lancashire the youth unemployment capital of the North West.

Figures compiled by the GMB union claimed Hyndburn, Blackburn, Burnley and Pendle had among the highest proportions of under 25's unemployed.

But the East Lancashire Training and Enterprise Council said the figures misrepresented the situation.

"The difference between the best rate and the worst rate in the country is just eight per cent and is usually also the difference between the leafy suburbs and the inner cities." said Andy Fawcett, training development director.

And he said the number of young people involved in training schemes in the area was encouraging.

"In East Lancashire there are currently 4,422 16 to 18 year-olds enjoying employed status skills training through our XTEND programme.

"Of the young people who complete the programme, 91 per cent receive full time jobs. We also have hundreds of 18 to 25 year olds learning the skills needed to fill gaps in the local labour market through our highly successful Target Training programme."

And Mr Fawcett said the situation in East Lancashire was less gloomy than the GMB's figures suggested.

"Though East Lancashire has neither the worst or the best youth unemployment record in the country we do have an excellent record of improvement."

The East Lancashire Careers Services today pledged its support to help young people find employment but stressed they also had a part to play.

"In today's climate we ask that they are adaptable to market trends and be prepared to use their skills in a flexible way," said chief executive Ray Howard. "We will discuss job prospects following training or a college course as well as for school leavers and the unemployed and we urge young people to keep in contact with us."

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