A £2 million training academy has been officially opened by the Duke of Westminster.

The new complex near Whitebirk will create 150 local job opportunities, and train the next generation of technicians and engineers.

Around 90 students and 12 teaching staff will be based at the centre.

The Duke of Westminster Gerald Grosvenor was invited down for the launch of the facility and given a special tour of the academy.

His Grace said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity of visiting this excellent new training facility.

“Above all, I have been so pleased to hear about the opportunities being created for young people to train, at various different levels, for work in this vital industry.”

The new academy will incorporate five workshops, classrooms, office space as well as associated amenity spaces, including outdoor training facilities. Hyndburn council leader Miles Parkinson said the investment and job opportunities in the local area were “very pleasing”.

He added: “It’s very important that we have businesses like utility companies coming here to create jobs, and especially apprenticeships.

“Unfortunately at the moment there are extremely high unemployment rates, particularly with younger people, and it’s important that we have businesses coming in to create jobs.

“The council is doing its utmost on its employment sites like Whitebirk to get them on stream and attract more businesses.” Steve Johnson, chief executive at Electricity North West, said it was a ‘fantastic development’.

He added: “I am delighted that our hard work has paid off and we can welcome the Duke of Westminster to officially open the doors to our brand new training academy.

“It will allow us to grow our already successful apprenticeship scheme, with space for even more apprentices, A-level entrants and graduates joining our programmes.

“This growth is vital to ensure the North West’s network and our people are fully equipped to meet the challenges of the future.”

Electricity North West funds specific electrical qualifications as well as vocational on-the-job training.

Alongside school leavers, the power operator also offers accredited training programmes catering for both A-level students and graduates who are looking for careers in the energy industry.