WORKERS at a Pendle firm jumped for joy when they heard that Britain's Thrust supersonic car had broken the sound barrier on Monday.

Staff at PDS in Nelson designed and made many of the hi-tech parts that helped Thrust become the first land vehicle to go supersonic.

The jet-car, driven by RAF Tornado pilot Andy Green, sped along the flat desert lands of Nevada, USA, at 764.168mph.

PDS - Production and Design Services - is run by John Getty and Chris Woodcock at a small factory at the bottom of a side street in Nelson where 16 staff made axles, brakes, wheel bearings, gearbox and steering parts for Thrust

"We're overjoyed to be part of this momentous event," John told the Citizen. "It's the end of four years' hard work. We've been involved since Thrust was just a drawing on a piece of paper."

John went out to join the Thrust team for 10 days and saw the car set a land-speed record of 714mph. He was one of the first people to shake hands with Green after that historic drive.

He returned to Nelson with posters signed with messages of thanks by Green and Thrust team leader Richard Noble, a collection of his own photos of the car at top speed - and some unforgettable memories.

"The car is amazing to watch," he said. "It goes from 0-200mph in six seconds. You just see a flash. At first it's silent, and then you hear a great noise."

He added: "I rang the team on the radio phone to congratulate them, and I've given everyone here a pat on the back. It just goes to show that this is a world class operation. I've never doubted that Thrust would do it."

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