EAST Lancashire-based lobby group the North West Aerospace Alliance (NWAA) has added eight new members – swelling its ranks to 370.

The new members come from as far afield as Reading and Essex.The NWAA, based in Commercial Road, Nelson, is the UK’s most influential aerospace cluster, representing industry giants like BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce, as well as smaller companies.

Among the new firms joining the NWAA is metal cutting specialist Partwell, of Stanley Street, Blackburn.

NWAA marketing manager Lorna Waterforth said: “Many of these companies are based outside the North West, which is a sign that the work the NWAA is doing is being recognised across the UK as leading the field.”