SENIOR bosses from American aircraft giant Boeing has pledged to help Lancashire aerospace firms to break into the lucrative US defence markets.

The Nelson-based North West Aerospace Alliance invited a top-level delegation from Boeing to the region to explain how companies could win a share of contracts worth billions of dollars.

Boeing already supports an estimated 40,000 British jobs and is the UK's largest single export customer, spending almost $3 billion dollars in the UK.

Boeing consultant Paul Forster said the company could provide help and advice for Lancashire companies wishing to tackle the maze of procurement documentation associated with US defence contracts.

Despite recent cuts in spending, he said the US still offered excellent business opportunities for firms willing to undergo a steep learning curve, stick to strict time schedules and meet the very detailed requirements of the Pentagon.

"A tremendous amount of effort has to go into bids and documentation and companies have to be prepared to dedicate the necessary manpower," said Mr Forster.

"It requires an awesome amount of effort, but when the payoff can be a five-year contract worth $150 million, it makes it all worthwhile."

The company, the world's largest commercial aircraft manufacturer, is committed to help overseas suppliers as part of international trade offset agreements covering global collaboration programmes.

Boeing can also provide access to its knowledge base, exploiting technology transfer opportunities, and arrange joint ventures between like-minded companies.