ONE of East Lancashire's major commercial builders is predicting solid year-on-year growth.

Latest results for Nelson-based Barnfield Construction have shown a 17 per cent turnover increase, from 2017 to 2018.

And with an order book which is more than 75 per cent secure for 2020, managing director Tim Webber is confident they can hit £80million for 2019.

Mr Webber said: "We are delighted to report a record year in Barnfield’s 42-year history, with a turnover of £74.6million for the year ended 31 December 2018, which is an increase of 17 per cent on the prior year."

The firm has public and private sector partnerships with five out of the six East Lancashire councils.

And in April alone the company confirmed it had inked deals to develop 10 sites for Blackburn-based Euro Garages , including the Barracks Road site in Burnley, and to build a new stores for Iceland and The Range in Leigh.

Mr Webber said Barnfield had grown cash reserves, leaving it possible to invest in new opportunities.