A LEADING industrialist has sent a plea to the Government for help with the struggling North-west Aerospace industry.

North West Aerospace Alliance chairman Dennis Mendoros believes the present crisis facing the industry's prime manufacturers could soon filter through the supply chain to smaller second tier suppliers throughout the region.

He has written to Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt MP asking if she will attend or provide Government representation at the Alliance's annual meeting in early December.

Mr Mendoros said: "The impact on the supply chain is yet to be felt but it will no doubt hit hard."

The NWAA represents more than 800 aerospace and defence companies ranging from key manufacturers like BAE Systems to a large concentration of component manufacturers spread throughout the region.