AEROSPACE workers were celebrating a multi-million pound double boost today with news of a major new contract and a massive investment programme.

Kelbrook-based Euravia has struck a deal with the Ministry of Defence which will see it carry out repairs and spare parts services for the RAF Tristar aircraft.

And a £10million programme aimed at exploiting opportunities in the aerospace industry has been unveiled by the new owners of Burnley's former Lucas factory.

The announcements are the latest boost for East Lancashire's aerospace industry following last week's announcement of a £21million order for Hurel-Dubois at Burnley.

"Euravia was the only British company tendering for this work and we had to compete against the giants of the industry," said Dennis Mendoros, managing director of the firm, which employs more than 50 people and specialises in aero engines and power units.

Six months ago Euravia announced two significant contracts from the Ministry of Defence and an American based firm.

The orders have led to new jobs at the Kelbrook based firm and provided extra work for sub-contractors in the area.

Motherwell Bridge, the Scottish engineering company, has created MB Aerospace to power forward with a major expansion into international aerospace.

The move involves the acquisition of the Burnley Heasandford site, saving 70 existing jobs, strengthening of the company's existing aerospace operation in Cumbernauld and new investment at Motherwell.

The new aerospace division will initially employ a 260-strong workforce, and have a £20million annual turnover.

The company says the Burnley operation, with its £10million turnover, will form a core part of the new set-up, which will specialise in production of sophisticated components for the aerospace, defence and civil aviation sectors.

Motherwell Bridge engineering managing director Archie Bethel said: "With its location, customer base and workforce skills, the Burnley operation will be at the heart of our plans for exploiting new opportunities."

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