SOME of the country’s wealthiest people hailed from East Lancashire, the latest Sunday Times Rich List has revealed.

They include a billionaire who was schooled in the area, a former Blackburn Rovers footballer, and a family whose bakery firm dates back almost 140 years.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Rossendale-born John Whittaker, who owns development company Peel Holdings, was named the country’s 43rd richest person with an estimated fortune of £2.37bn – an increase of £70m over the past year.

Mr Whittaker made a fortune in January 2011, after selling the Trafford Centre, which attracts more than 30 million visitors every year.

Peter Hargreaves, who went to Clitheroe Royal Grammar School and co-founded broking group Hargreaves Lansdown plc, dropped down 10 places to become the 49th richest person in the UK.

And the Blackburn-based Walker family were ranked at number 209 with a total wealth of around £520m.

It made £25m two years ago after selling its substantial stake in Flybe, the budget flights company.

The late Jack Walker, along with his sibling Fred, built up their dad’s metal business before selling it for £330m. Mr Walker spent £97m on Blackburn Rovers before it was sold.

And former Rovers full back Dave Whelan, 78, is worth around £200m – and is ranked one place above Hollywood couple Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas.

Rod Aldridge, the founding and former executive chairman of business process outsourcing firm Capita, and backer of the Darwen Aldridge Academy scheme, gave £400,000 to The Lowry art gallery in Manchester, where he was appointed as chairman in 2007, and the Aldridge Foundation. He is now worth around £125m, placing 754th.

And Mohsin and Zuber Issa, the brothers behind the chain of Euro Garages, ranked at 637th, with a combined wealth of £150m .

While the richest person in the UK is music, media and investment tycoon Len Blavatnik who has a fortune of £13.17bn.