DEPUTY Prime Minister Nick Clegg last night promised the Government’s Regional Growth Fund would deliver 4,000 jobs to the region.

Mr Clegg will today announce four companies from the Liverpool region were successful in first round bids to the £1.4bn fund aimed at stimulating economic growth.

He said: “I am delighted to announce the first successful bids for the Regional Growth Fund. I was bowled over by the quality of the bids.”

St Helens glass manufacturer Pilkington has won funding for equipment to create a more efficient production technique to enable it to compete better in the European market.

Haulier the Stobart Group, alongside distribution expert Prologis and Halton Council, has won approval for a bid to expand the 3MG rail logistics site in Widnes.

The Government also backed Kirkby-based chemicals company Ames Goldsmith UK’s plan for a new industrial facility, and equipment for the production of silver powders for use in electronic and solar energy sectors.

The Daily Post’s sister newspaper, the Liverpool Echo, has won a bid to create a fund for small businesses. Full details will be released shortly.