WHILE the world is holding its breath on the outcome of the American presidential elections, one couple have more reason than most to await the verdict of the Bush-Kerry clash.

Bruce and Marianne Topa, above, have swapped the sunshine of California for the unpredictable Lancashire weather on a two-year job-swap with BAE Systems at Samlesbury.

The husband-and-wife team are engineers on the Joint Strike Fighter plane and both are backing George 'Dubya' Bush for a second stint at the White House.

They have already lodged their postal vote and will be eagerly awaiting the result.

"It is of particular interest to our industry because it is the president who sets the tone in terms of how supportive he is for funding projects like JSF," Marianne said.

The Topas are mid-way through a knowledge exchange programme involving BAE and American aerospace giant Northrop Grumman and both have been surprised at the extent of the coverage of the presidential elections in the UK media.

Bruce said: "You just don't see the same level of interest in the States about UK politics."