LEYLAND Trucks could be on the brink of securing a billion-pound contract to supply trucks for the army to use on the front line.

The Leyland-based firm are one of South Ribble's biggest employers -- and the largest employer in Leyland -- with around 1,000 local people working for the company now owned by American firm Packard.

Now the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has invited the vehicle manufacturing company to bid for the huge contract, which, if successful, will see Leyland Trucks supplying around 8,500 vehicles over ten years.

The contract will be worth around £1.4 billion for the firm.

Lord Bach, defence procurement minister, said: "These new vehicles are needed to support our armed forces in the front line. We plan to buy a wide range of vehicles, ranging from light trucks to heavy lorries and recovery vehicles, all of which can travel off road.

"This is the biggest single MoD truck procurement for over 20 years and is a huge opportunity for British industry."

Leyland Trucks faces stiff competition from four other firms who have joined the race for the contract, to supply the trucks and to service them over their 20-year service life. Two of the firms are from the USA, one from Swindon, and one from Milton Keynes.

Martin Hayes, spokesman for Leyland Trucks, said: "This is an extremely important order. We will be making every effort to try and secure it. It is a very competitive battle and there is a lot of work to do before they can hope to be successful.

"Leyland Trucks last won a big order in 1989. They subsequently supplied four and a half thousand trucks. This was also the last time the Ministry of Defence made an order for trucks, and hopefully Leyland Trucks will be successful again."

The winning tender will be picked in the Autumn of this year.

South Ribble MP David Borrow said: "I am delighted that Leyland Trucks have been invited to tender for this very important MoD contract. I have spoken to Leyland Trucks and assured them I will do all I can to secure this work for Leyland.

"I am also sure that the excellent work force and facilities in Leyland mean they will put forward a strong bid for this work."