THE industry body representing engineering firms in East Lancashire has elected a new president.

The Engineering Employers Federation (EEF) North West has chosen Vernon Holt, production director of a Manchester paper company, to take the top post during the group's AGM.

Mr Holt has served on the EEF's executive committee for a number of years and was its vice president.

"Manufacturing in the region continues to face a whole range of challenges but it is definitely a sector with a future," he said. "Remaining competitive requires vision and innovation and an environment that facilitates investment in higher value added production.

"Decision makers must recognise this and EEF will be developing the good dialogue we have with the key people at regional, national and European level."

The EEF has eight offices in the North West representing more than 700 member companies employing over 80,000.