HUNDREDS of new jobs have been created for Lancashire workers as part of an expansion by aerospace giant BAE Systems.

The company is seeking to recruit 1,000 new staff to fill a shortage in aerospace engineering and the bulk of new jobs will be at the Samlesbury and Warton sites.

And it has launched a series of roadshows to get new staff in to the business as quickly as possible.

The company said the new jobs were required as the military aircraft solutions sector continued to grow and more positions were created.

Business leaders and politicians have welcomed the news, which they believe is vital in the continuing success of engineering in East Lancashire.

The new jobs will be in project management, engineering and the supply chain for the military aircraft solutions side of the business, skills that are provided mainly at Samlesbury and Warton.

BAE hopes to recruit employees in to sectors such as flight system engineering, technical support and design and structural engineering.

John Cridland, from the Military Air Solutions recruitment team, said: "There are some fantastic opportunities for people with the right kinds of skills in the UK aerospace sector at the moment and many people are beginning to recognise this.

"We are looking for high quality candidates for these high value roles."

The company is hoping fill the gap with a mixture of recent graduates and other people who already have the relevant skills.

The creation of the new jobs is the latest in a series of developments at the Samlesbury site after BAE were granted planning permission in April this year for £100million aerospace park.

BAE Samlesbury already employs 5,000 people and the new business park will provide employment for a further 2,500 people when it opens in two years time.

East Lancashire business chiefs said that the latest announcement would have knock on effects for other engineering businesses in the area and help dispel the notion that it is merely a former textile stronghold.

Mike Damms, chairman of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: "This is a really positive announcement and we are really pleased to see BAE making this move and going from strength to strength.

"It's good for jobs and we think it's up to the industry and colleges to rise to the challenge to meet the skills within the supply chain.

"The move will make other businesses up their game and look to be a part of this supply chain.

"We are at the leading edge of manufacturing and we are an area of added value companies, hopefully this will highlight that fact."

Conservative MP for Ribble Valley, Nigel Evans, said: "This is superb news, yet again ensuring that Lancashire retains the engineering skills base to remain a world leader in this area."

Chris Holtom, county councillor for southwest Ribble, added: "This is a very positive move.

"I have been aware of their long term plans and these more immediate opportunities are very welcome especially as they may be finding jobs for younger people."

The graduate opportunities have excited education leaders who feel confident there are the skills within the county to fill these positions.

Bavid Bagley, head of the University of Central Lancashire's centre for employability, said: "We are delighted that these new jobs will be coming to the region.

"We make sure that all our courses are as vocationally relevant as possible and we maintain strong links with key professionals, employers and industry groups."

Three recruitment roadshows will be held next week - at Ewood Park, Blackburn, from 2pm to 8pm on Thursday, and Wednesday (2pm to 8pm) at Turf Moor, Burnley, and the Marriott Hotel Broughton (2pm to 8pm) on Tuesday.