AN MP and commerce chief have got behind a drive to encourage more youngsters into engineering.

MP for Pendle Andrew Stephenson and East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Mike Damms said that the industry offered fantastic opportunities to people in the county.

They said there were outdated perceptions about limited interest in the trade.

Their remarks came as the government and employers launched a week-long campaign as part of their Tomorrow’s Engineers initiative.

Former chemical engineer Mr Damms, who worked in several countries during his career, said: “At heart East Lancashire is a very innovative and engineering-focused area.

“However there still remains a wrong perception that engineers are badly paid and involved in dirty jobs.

“The reality is far from that.

“Engineers are incredibly clever, well paid and creative people who have promising and fulfilling careers.

“We just need to get the correct message out there to encourage more people into the industry.”

Meanwhile Mr Stephenson said he had been left inspired by the work of local engineers after a visit to Merc Engineering in Barrowford.

He said: “Engineering is an exciting career choice for young people.

“The industry makes a huge impact on almost every aspect of our everyday lives and many people simply don’t realise how valuable engineering skills are.

“I hope Tomorrow’s Engineers Week will encourage young people to look at careers in engineering with fresh eyes.”

For further information about Tomorrow’s Engineers Week visit www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk.