Hanson Building Products in Accrington have restarted production, 7 years after the firm was forced to close the Lancashire factory.

The decision to reopen the factory, following a £1.6 million investment and the creation of over 30 new jobs, comes as the company tries to meet the soaring demand by the construction sector. The company also announced that it plans to create 20 further jobs at the site in 2015.

Bricks have been manufactured at the Huncoat site near Accrington since 1887. They are made from fire clay and are so strong and durable that they become known in the trade as iron bricks. At one time the works chimney had the letters IRON painted vertically on it with the N at the top, prompting locals to call it the NORI brick factory.

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Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said: "A key part of our long term plan is ensuring that we build an economic recovery for all parts of the country, including the north-west.

"That's why I'm delighted to be here in Accrington on the week that Hanson restarted brick making in the town. The closure of the brickworks was a painful symbol of how our economy has suffered in recent years, and its re-opening is the strongest evidence possible that Britain and the north-west are coming back, and are once again on course to prosperity."

(CD/IT)