AEROSPACE firms in East Lancashire are heading for Paris next week in a bid to win a share of millions of pounds worth of orders.

Weston, of Foulridge, Euravia, of Kelbrook and Gardner Aerospace, parent firm of Colne-based Cleveland Guest, are among the local employers taking part in this year's Paris International Air Show.

Billions of pounds worth of orders are announced at the show which provides a vital "shop window" to meet prospective buyers.

The firms will be exhibiting under the umbrella of the Nelson-based North West Aerospace Alliance in what will be the biggest ever overseas showcase for the region's expertise.

It will also be the organisation's first air show since it changed its name from the Consortium of Lancashire Aerospace.

More than a dozen individual member firms will be exhibiting at the show

The alliance is trying to strengthen links with similar aerospace organisations across the world. It has already reached agreements with 14 and hopes to increase the number to 20 by the end of the year.

"We want all our individual members to grow and prosper," said chairman Dennis Mendoros.

"We can only achieve this through vigorously pursuing world class objectives and the strengthening of global partnerships."

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