DEVELOPERS behind two new care homes in Haslingden today said they were looking to take on 70 staff.

The jobs boost is the result of a £5million investment in the homes, in Lancaster Avenue.

The company confirmed that it is looking to recruit staff from the surrounding area to work at the new purpose-built developments.

Due to open in late August, the sites, owned by Leeds-based Orchard Care Homes, will provide care for 76 elderly people.

Haslingden Hall will provide private residential care for 40 people and Haslingden Lodge will offer specialist nursing care for 36 people who suffer from dementia such as Alzheimer's disease.

Stacey Crowther, recruitment and training manager at the Leeds-based firm, said Orchard Care Homes was looking for local people to work at the new homes.

She said that the company was accepting applications for a variety of roles including managers, carers, housekeepers and cooks and that new employees would undergo the company's rigorous training scheme.

She said: "We are not always looking for experience as we provide the training necessary.

"We believe the attitude of our staff is the most important qualification they can have."

For further information or to apply for a job call the 24-hour recruitment line on 0845 6036653.