AEROSPACE workers in East Lancashire will get a massive boost from the launch of the new Airbus "super jumbo" -- even though only a small part of the airliner will be built locally.

Rolls-Royce workers in Barnoldswick will supply fan blades for the Trent engines that will power the A380 plane, previously known as the A3XX.

Other work will be sub-contracted to aerospace firms in East Lancashire.

Airbus partner BAE Systems said the multi-billion pound deal would create 22,000 jobs in Britain.

Work will be carried out at BAE factories across the country, mainly in Filton, near Bristol, and Broughton, North Wales.

BAE said it was not clear yet whether the company's Samlesbury site would supply wing parts.

The Nelson-based North West Aerospace Alliance, which represents aerospace firms in East Lancashire, said the deal, announced yesterday would guarantee jobs in the area.

Chairman Dennis Mendoros said: "A lot of jobs will be secured.

"A lot of support firms will benefit.

"It's going to have a tremendous impact."

BAE Systems chief operating officer Mike Turner said: "This marks the real beginning for the most important civil aircraft project the world has witnessed for decades."

Broughton has started recruiting 1,700 people, many of which will work on the A380 programme.

Further staff will be taken on at BAE factories over the coming year.