Aero engine company, Rolls Royce, is expected to take key investment decisions this month on whether to manufacture state-of-the-art fan blades in Singapore as well as its facility in Barnoldswick.

The fan blades are leading edge technology requiring high skills to manufacture. They are critical to engine performance.

Local MP, Gordon Prentice, met representatives from the RR workforce from plants around the UK, including Barlick, at a meeting in Westminster earlier this week.

The Pendle MP said: "The company has a policy of "dual sourcing" key components. Fair enough. But I want to see both sources located here in the UK."

"I do not want to see high technology exported overseas."

"The Regional Development Agency is offering financial support to the company of around £25 million providing the company gives a commitment that Barnoldswick remains a centre of excellence for the manufacture and technical expertise of wide-chord hollow fan blades for Rolls Royce. This will safeguard jobs at the site."

"I am in touch with Ministers on behalf of the Rolls Royce group of MPs."