AEROSPACE industry in East Lancashire is to benefit to the tune of millions of pounds in training schemes, thanks to a grant.

The North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA) - which is based in Nelson and exists to support the hi-tech industry in the area including firms such as BAE Systems in Samlesbury and Rolls Royce's Barnoldswick factory - has been handed a grant of £2.6million.

The cash has been provided by the North West Regional Development Agency, and bosses at the NWAA say it is "by far the largest and most significant backing" in the 12 year history of the group.

The four year funding programme will be used to extend its Aerospace Supply Chain Excellence Programme, previously a smaller scale pilot scheme, designed to help smaller firms compete on a global scale.

A further £1.6 million funding is also being considered by the North West Regional Development Agency, to help develop skills and leadership within the aerospace sector. A decision is expected in the near future.

Martin Wright, NWAA executive director said: "We are extremely grateful for this backing, which is a major endorsement of the work we already have underway.

"It means we can now progress the Aerospace Supply Chain Excellence Programme and make a real difference both to individual companies and the north west aerospace sector as a whole.

"Significantly, the amount contributed by the NWDA will be matched by in-kind contributions from within the industry so this really is the shot in the arm we need to accelerate the programme and achieve results."

The funding will help to support the introduction of aerospace industry "mentors" and let the NWAA continue its supply chain workshops. So far five companies have signed up for the mentoring programme, including Nelson-based PDS Engineering and Gardner Group of Burnley.

The scheme is supported by industry giants Airbus, BAE Systems and Rolls Royce. Each of the sponsoring companies has committed to supplying industry experts to help alliance member companies.

The alliance has the aim of helping 45 firms become "world competitive" in four years.

Mark Hughes, executive director of enterprise, innovation and skills for the North West Regional Development Agency, said: "To build a world class aerospace sector it is vital that we continue to facilitate improvements in the supply chain."