Barrow Successor submarine project 'securing 1,400 jobs'

The Successor submarine programme is intended to carry the next generation of nuclear deterrent

A £257m government investment is set to secure more than 1,400 jobs, defence company BAE Systems has said.

The cash is being used to build the new generation of nuclear deterrent submarines, designed at its Barrow shipyard in Cumbria.

The Successor vessels will replace the Royal Navy's ageing Vanguard class.

BAE Systems Submarines managing director Tony Johns said it was the "largest and most complex project" the shipyard has undertaken.

"Designing a new, nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine is one of the most challenging engineering projects in the world today," he said.

The additional funds for the final phase would enable construction to start next year, he added.

Previous contracts worth £328m and £315m were awarded to BAE Systems in 2012, for the initial design.

About 6,500 people work at the Barrow site, where BAE is also building seven Astute class nuclear-powered attack submarines for the Royal Navy.