MINISTER Jake Berry believes Warrington is 'blazing a trail' for the Northern Powerhouse – and he expects the town to continue attracting huge investment.

The Rossendale and Darwen MP, who is responsible for the Northern Powerhouse, devolution and local growth, visited Thermo Fisher Scientific's site in Woolston, on Kingsland Grange, on Monday.

The firm is a leading manufacturer of human identification forensic kits, with kits used to process biological evidence collected in criminal investigations for judicial systems in countries worldwide.

So far the Government has committed £15 million to support Northern Powerhouse trade missions, which will seize opportunities posed by trade and investment across the globe.

Mr Berry said: "Supporting enterprise and innovation is a key part of our Northern Powerhouse strategy and this Government has committed £15 million to support trade missions that help northern businesses to export their goods.

"I'm pleased to say that courtrooms around the world rely on evidence collected with kits produced here in Warrington and it will help put criminals behind bars."

The 38-year-old believes Warrington has a key role to play in ensuring the Northern Powerhouse vision becomes a reality.

He said: "In Cheshire and Warrington, the clear stand out theme by looking at the economy is innovation and technology.

"If you look at the economic performance of Warrington and the huge investment taking place, I think Warrington is really blazing a trail for the Northern Powerhouse and particularly for the life sciences and technology industry sector."

The politician is adamant that a future devolution deal would allow for key services in the borough to be saved and improved amid current austerity measures.

He said: "As a north west MP I am massively committed to returning power and money back to the north of England and particularly to Warrington.

"We have engaged previously with Cheshire and Warrington about their views on devolution.

"We are waiting to hear from them again with their prospectus, which I believe they are current preparing.

"I think if Warrington and Cheshire can ground a proposal for a really exciting deal it would be a fantastic way of ensuring money is taken from London and put back into the region.

"I think Warrington really is in a bit of a sweet spot – it has great connectivity and I think it is a great place to invest and live in."

Despite the 'huge challenge' of Brexit facing ministers, Mr Berry insists protecting jobs and accelerating growth in the north is of paramount importance.

He said: "While there are fears, I think there are some great opportunities and I would encourage businesses across the Northern Powerhouse to get involved in looking at the new markets opening up across the globe."

The politician also shared some kind words for former Warrington South MP David Mowat.

He said: "I had the great privilege of working with David since 2010 – he was a good personal friend of mine and was an excellent MP for his constituency.

"I don't know when the next election would be but in any General Election we would target seats that we lost.

"I think getting a new Conservative MP working hard and driving forward policies like the Northern Powerhouse would be good for the people of Warrington."

The visit to the town on Monday was Mr Berry's first visit in his capacity as a minister – although he has been to Warrington for shopping purposes.

He added: "I live in the north west and have been to Ikea many times."