A BODY set up to represent the region's multi-million-pound aerospace industry has appointed a new chairman.

The North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA), based in Nelson but representing the hi-tech industry across the North West, has appointed Blackburn-born Neil McKay as interim chairman.

Mr McKay, 53, has sat on the board of the NWAA for almost ten years, and is a former BAE Systems executive.

He will head the alliance until the spring next year when a full-time chairman is appointed.

The chairman's position became available after East Lancashire businessman Dennis Mendoros stepped down following 12 years at the helm.

Mr McKay had worked with BAE Systems for 30 years after graduating in mechanical engineering from Salford University until his retirement earlier this year.

He had worked on all the defence giant's major programmes including the Typhoon, and at one stage worked as operations director for aerostructures, where he was responsible for BAE Systems' facilities at Chadderton and Prestwick.

He said: "I am delighted to be steering the organisation in the upcoming year, which is full of opportunities to build on our now solid foundations."

The NWAA was founded by local business organisations who wanted to find a way to represent the aerospace industry more effectively, and now has almost 700 members.

From a budget of just £5,000, the NWAA now controls funding of around £1million, expected to soon increase to £2.5million.

Former chairman Dennis Mendoros, who is now concentrating on running his firm, Euravia Engineering and Supply Co Ltd, based in Kelbrook, was instrumental in setting up the alliance.

In his time with the group he has helped the alliance generate more than £300million in new business for aerospace firms and safeguarded more than 2,000 jobs.

He stood down this month at the group's annual meeting.

Martin Wright, NWAA executive director, said: "I am delighted that Neil has stepped forward to help lead us through a crucial time for the alliance."