RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans has called on the Government to support development of the Hawk trainer jet manufactured by BAE Systems.

The firm has submitted a bid to replace the ageing fighters, which entered RAF service in the 1970s and 1980s.

Mr Evans wants it accepted to safeguard jobs.

He said: "The Hawk project maintains hundreds of highly-skilled jobs in this country.

"BAE has indicated up to 470 jobs will be lost if the government does not make a positive statement on the future of the Hawk in the RAF.

"In Lancashire, thousands are employed in Warton and Samlesbury. These plants are crucial to the vitality of our local economy."