UP TO 5,000 jobs will be created and up to £3billion added to the local economy after plans for a business park off the M1 motorway were approved.

The plans for a 'strategic business park' at M1 junction 36 were approved by the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority.

It is thought it could potentially add as much as £3billion to the local economy.

Andrew Denniff, chief executive of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said it would be a huge boost to Barnsley and the wider area.

** The full story is in the Barnsley Chronicle, dated April 3. **