SOUTH Craven MP Julian Smith has welcomed figures that show 81 people across his constituency have been helped to launch their own businesses by the Government’s start-up loans scheme.

Funds loaned to the fledgling firms totalled £454,677 – one of the highest figures for any constituency in the country.

Across Yorkshire, 2,117 loans have been awarded, together worth £10.8 million.

“These numbers show start-up loans are helping us create and back the small businesses that bring jobs into our communities and support our economy to grow,” said Mr Smith.

“New businesses are the lifeblood of a healthy local economy,” he declared.