AEROSPACE workers at Warton are in the running for a new contract which could net 100 new jobs.

BAE Systems is set to get the lift thanks to a £150 million Government contract to upgrade the Harrier aircraft.

The firm announced recently that it has officially been awarded the job to update the computer systems on the hi-tech plane.

And if the firm wins the contract to fit the new systems as well, 100 jobs at the Warton base will be safeguarded.

Mike Sweeny, spokesman for BAE Systems, said: "The next step is when modifications are made to the aircraft. We then have to put all this software into the Harrier fleet.

"We will be the prime contractor, and manage the whole programme.

"But who fits the boxes into the aircraft has yet to be decided. We are in competition for that with the Defence Aviation Repair Agency in South Wales, and RAF Cottismore in Lincolnshire."

The firm's Warton site employs thousands of people but currently, only 24 are involved with the latest contract, working on flight testing and trials.

That number could multiply, however, if BAE wins the contract to install the new equipment.

Mr Sweeney said: "The next stage of the contract is to actually incorporate those changes into the aircraft. It will allow them to to carry smart weapons and hit a wider range of targets at longer range, and at less risk to air crew.

"Definitely some of that work will come this way but it remains to be seen exactly how it is done. At the moment there is not a huge amount of work for Warton, but whatever happens it will increase.

"The contract is excellent news. The project has been going on for a while, and this wraps it up.

"There will be a lot more work for us whatever happens."