Two nuclear power stations in north Lancashire are to remain open, it was announced this morning.

EDF Energy has announced new scheduled closure dates for Heysham 1 and Heysham 2 power stations.

The scheduled closure date for Heysham 1 has been extended by five years to 2024.

The scheduled closure date for Heysham 2 has been extended by seven years to 2030.

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The sites provide low carbon electricity for around four million homes.

The decision protects 1,500 jobs with most of those staff living local to the stations.

It will also be good news for many local contract companies which supply the stations.