The Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) has welcomed Government plans to give Strategic Authorities a greater role in shaping technical education from the age of 14, saying the proposals could help more young people access high-quality routes into skilled careers while supporting employers to tackle skills shortages.

Extensive restoration work will be carried out at Lancaster's Central library to protect the future of the Grade II listed building and ensure residents can continue to use its services for years to come.

Thousands more children across Lancashire will be eligible for free school meals from September 26.