AEROSPACE workers in East Lancashire were today on cloud nine after the Eurofighter was cleared for take-off.

The German cabinet had approved plans earlier this year to buy 180 of the four-nation aircraft, on which thousands of local jobs depend.

And last night the decision was given final approval from the German parliament.

British Aerospace is investing more than £100million in its Samlesbury site ready for full production.

The project had been threatened by a series of German delays in finding funds to move to full production, with wrangles between the country's finance and defence ministries over cash.

Much of the UK's share of manufacturing will go to BAe's factories at Samlesbury and Warton.

Dozens of smaller firms throughout the area will also benefit from the project. A BAe spokesman said: "This is the news we've been waiting for and it's excellent.

"Not only is it good for our employees in Lancashire and across the country but hundreds and hundreds of sub- contractors."

Production of the new fighter is being shared between Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain.

For the UK, it means confirmation of at least 6,000 jobs, rising to 16,000 during peak production.

BAe says the project is also worth 80,000 dependent jobs.

Frank Gornall, chairman of the MSF union at Samlesbury, said: "We've all breathed a huge sigh of relief today.

"We never had any real doubts this project would not go ahead but it's always in the back of your mind that something could go wrong.

"We're really pleased it's now got the go-ahead and it's wonderful news for the whole community and the country."

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