BAE Systems has dismissed reports of a massive boost for its Lancashire plant at Warton as "fanciful speculation".

Reports claim Warton could be in line to take an even bigger role in the construction of the multi-billion-dollar, American-led Joint Strike Fighter.

Warton was named in a Government report as one of three potential sites in the UK for the final assembly of the next generation of fighter plane.

"As Warton already undertakes the final assembly of the Eurofighter Typhoon, we would be surprised if it was not on the shortlist," said a spokesman.

"The fact is that this report was no more than a very long-term feasibility study."