AEROSPACE and electronics group Meggitt, which operates two sites in Blackburn, unveiled a near doubling in profits in the first half of the year as its order book hit an all time high.

Profits before tax rose to £37.5million compared with £19.8million 12 months earlier. Turnover rose to £178.6million, up from £155.2million.

Chief executive Mike Stacey said: "The focused acquisitions and substantial investment in research and development that Meggitt has made in the past five years have established a firm foundation for growth.

"This outstanding set of results demonstrates the success of this strategy and with our order book at a record high we view the future with considerable confidence."