A BOOK charting the contribution made by companies in Lancashire to the aero-engines over the past 90 years has just been brought out.

Lancashire County Council has published the 'Classic and Modern Aero-Engines Associated with the North West of England' as part of its promotional activities in support of the industry.

Researched and written by James Longworth, the former head of the county council's industrial promotion unit, the book is a full colour publication containing more than 50 striking pictures of some of the engines, aircraft, personalities and companies involved.

Covering engines from the present day back to 1909, the book documents the establishment of so called shadow factories in the area by Rover, Rolls-Royce, Lucas, Ford, Bristol and Napier.

There is also a section of the book outlining the early development of Sir Frank Whittle's jet engine by the Rover and Rolls-Royce companies, together with the pioneering work on jet engines by the Metropolitan Vickers company in Manchester.

The county council's aerospace spokesman Coun Irene Short said: "This book will be enjoyed by all those with an interest in the aerospace industry, particularly present and past employees.

"As proof of Lancashire's track record of achievement at the leading edge of aerospace technology for nearly a century, I believe that it will also encourage all those who are involved in the industry today and be of interest to their customers world wide."

Copies of the book cost £6.95 and are available from the county council by contacting Ann Weaver on 01772 264147.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.