AEROSPACE campaigner Dennis Mendoros has warned that the prosperity of East Lancashire hinges on the survival and growth of its key manufacturing industries.

Mr Mendoros used his trip to last week's Paris International Air Show to stress that the region could only maintain its status as a world leader in aerospace and innovation by ensuring that companies such as BAE SYSTEMS and Rolls-Royce Plc continued to invest in their home markets.

"Everyone within the region -- and at Government level -- must do their utmost to see that we sustain the sector by maintaining capacity, continuing investment at supporting jobs," said Mr Mendoros, chairman of the North West Aerospace Alliance.

One of the big winners to emerge from the Paris Air Show was Rolls-Royce, which announced around $2 billion worth of new orders.

These included major new deals for the Trent family of engines which are vital for the company's 900 employees at Barnoldswick where fan blades and other key components are manufactured.

In a keynote speech at the airshow, Mr Mendoros said it was crucial that both manufacturing capacity and skills were retained in readiness for the expected upturn in the aerospace market, expected over the next 18 months.

"Prime manufacturers not only support major workforces in the region, but also provide the financial lifeblood of the communities that surround their facilities.

"We recognise that they now have to be global players and that more work is going to fewer suppliers as they tighten supply chains.

"Our first and second tier suppliers have to be that much sharper, leaner and more competitive if they are to survive and win new work," warned Mr Mendoros.

The Nelson-based Aerospace Alliance had a major presence at the Paris Air Show, with more than 20 companies taking part in its exhibition. These included: Callender Aeropart, Altham; Hurst Green Plastics, Ribble Valley; INBIS, Bamber Bridge; and Weston EU, Foulridge, Lancs.

Mr Mendoros said BAE's annual turnover in the North West was £4billion, with £8million annually going into local taxation and £325,000 invested in educational initiatives.