Northern Powerhouse Minister James Wharton has announced Blackpool is the latest place to host an 'Enterprise Zone'.

The seaside resort is to become 'centre of excellence' for the energy sector while also boosting the economy.

Plans are in place to develop an Energy HQ at Blackpool and Fylde College.

The training facility is backed by £6.2m of Growth Deal funding which aims to provide job-ready students in engineering and advanced technology.

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The long term future of Blackpool Airport will also be secured through the move.

Overall, 140 new businesses could be attracted to the Blackpool Enterprise Zone, as well as 3,000 high-tech jobs.

Northern Powerhouse Minister James Wharton said: "From Sheffield to the Solent, we've seen how having an Enterprise Zone can completely transform a local economy, creating jobs and attracting significant investment.

"Blackpool is the latest town set to benefit from having these additional business freedoms, which is a real boost for the town's ambitions to become a centre of excellence for the UK energy sector, as well as being the home of the world famous illuminations.

"On top of this, by closing the economic gap between the North and South and attracting new businesses to the Enterprise Zone, it could secure the future of Blackpool Airport for years to come."

(LM/MH)