TOP trade officials have given the thumbs up to Chorley's Royal Ordnance site on a visit from the House of Commons.

The prestigious parliamentary trade and industry select committee made its first ever visit to the town on Tuesday.

Officials came to see how European Konver grants are being used to regenerate the RO.

They were given a presentation by RO bosses and shown round the Chorley Business and Technology Centre.

Chorley's MP Lindsay Hoyle, a member of the committee, said: "I'm delighted at the work that has been done at the RO and it's great news that the Konver money has been used to such good effect.

Committee chairman Martin O'Neill MP added: "It's a very impressive site and it's encouraging to see how effectively European money is being used to assist regeneration schemes."

Council leader John Wilson said: "Our visitors were pleased with the way the grants are being used for diversification from munitions into other industries."

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