HIGH-FLYING engineering companies have returned in triumph from the Paris International Air Show with orders worth millions of pounds.

And according to the Nelson-based North West Aerospace Alliance, that total is sure to increase as companies work on contacts made at the world's largest aerospace event.

Marketing manager Paul Hughes said 18 member companies had taken part in the week-long air show at Le Bourget which was the Alliance's biggest overseas exhibition.

"It has been an excellent week for both the NWAA and our member companies," he said. "The Paris air show attracted over 1,500 of the world's key aerospace companies, with many thousands of trade visitors queuing on a daily basis.

"We have seen a very large number of high-profile visitors this week, including top level members of the government. Obviously, we are delighted that the Alliance is being recognised as a contender in the global aerospace business."

Mr Hughes said the North West stand had been very busy with widespread interest shown in the high quality engineering services provided by the Alliance's 750 member companies, many of which are located in East Lancashire.

He said it was too early to put an estimate on the value of contracts won by Lancashire companies, but predicted the total would run into millions of pounds. One of the East Lancashire exhibitors at le Bourget was Hurst Green Plastics, which provides high tech inventory solutions.

Managing director Stephen Clarke said they had forged a significant number of new contacts during the week.

"We have been constantly busy with large numbers of passing visitors on the stand," he said. The work now starts in earnest in chasing up these enquiries and following up with key contacts."