ORDERS and deals worth millions of pounds to East Lancashire firms have followed their success at the Farnborough Air Show.

Bosses at the North West Aerospace Alliance -- which had its largest ever presence at last month's show -- said they are confident that new business won will top the £50million mark.

The deal includes a £5million contract which will see Euravia join an international e-business aircraft spares supply venture.

The dot.com enterprise links Euravia, headed by NWAA Denis Mendoros, with two other major suppliers to provide internet-based spare parts businesses.

Gardner Aerospace, parent firm of Cleveland-Guest of Colne, announced new business worth £1million in contracts to supply military aircraft components and printed circuit boards for the space industry.

And PDS Engineering of Nelson has signed an agreement with Space Center Houston for a new working partnership between it., PDS and Per Lindstrant, best-known for his hot-air balloon exploits with Sir Richard Branson.

"Farnborough was a great success with the region achieveing the highest ever levels of interest and individual companies making some very worthwhile new contacts." said NWAA Chief executive John Whalley.

"The hard work starts here with the onus on the region's companies to demonstrate that they can not only come up with the goods but also rank among the most innovation and competitive in the world."