ONE thousand aerospace jobs are to be axed in Lancashire, it was announced today.

BAE Systems announced the huge blow to workers at its two sites in Warton and Samlesbury sites at 9.30am.

BAE currently employs more than 8,000 people in Lancashire with thousands more jobs at sub-contractors and suppliers dependent on the defence giant.

Hundreds of East Lancashire workers commute to work for the aerospace giant.

It is anticipated 500 jobs will be lost this year with the remainder in 2005.

The figures include at least 250 on-site sub-contractors who will leave the business by the end of this year.

BAE today said the reason for the cuts was a downturn in work in some areas over the next few years which means it will have too many people with particular skills.

The Samlesbury and Warton sites have developed the Eurofighter Typhoon which has been much delayed and are also involved in the development of the next generation Joint Strike Fighter.

Nigel Whitehead, air systems group managing director, said: "We know it will be a tough time for all those affected. However, it is the only way to ensure a viable future."