A NEW training centre has opened in Leigh to help keep the North West flowing.

The United Utilities centre, at Hope Carr Terrace, will provide a wide range of training for the water company's 5,000 strong North West workforce.

Water and wastewater engineers, senior managers, apprentices, call centre operatives and back office staff are all expected to pass through the doors of the training centre.

After opening the centre Leigh MP Andy Burnham said: "United Utilities is a major employer in my constituency, and a key service provider across the North West. It is encouraging to see the company's strong commitment to developing its employees, so that they can deliver a high quality service to the communities they serve.

"I'm sure the centre will become a real hub for learning and innovation in the water industry."

Steve Mogford, UU's chief executive, said: "This dedicated new facility will play an essential role in helping us to develop the skills of employees, so that all our people, from engineers to call handlers, can deliver the best possible service to the seven million customers who rely on us every day."

Between 2010 and 2015 United Utilities is spending a record-breaking £3.6 billion improving the North West's water and wastewater infrastructure, and protecting the environment.