BRITISH troops will return enemy fire with the help of North-East engineering prowess after a company secured a £70m deal.

Cook Defence Systems is supplying tank tracks to the Ministry of Defence.

The firm, in Stanhope, County Durham, says the four-year contract will support more than 100 existing jobs and potentially create more posts.

Cook’s tracks will be used on the 62-tonne Challenger 2 tank, as well as the Warrior and Scimitar fighting vehicles.

The firm, part of the William Cook Group, is also hoping to beat off competition from rivals to supply tracks for the new Ajax tank, which will be built in Wales and Spain.

The Northern Echo: A warrior vehicle similar to the one that was caught in an explosion in Afghanistan

The Warrior armoured vehicle.

Its £70m deal was hailed by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, who toured Cook’s site and met workers.

Mr Fallon said the agreement was proof of the Government’s commitment to the country’s armed forces, adding he was delighted William Cook, which has provided track and armour since the Second World War, was doing so again.

The former Darlington MP told The Northern Echo: “This is good news and a sign of our relentless pursuit to keep on looking for groundbreaking solutions to keep people safe.

“This is a huge investment in the skilled workforce here and I thank everyone at Cook for what they are doing.

“If a tank or an armoured vehicle breaks down, troops are in danger.

“That’s why this deal is so important for us and important for the troops.

“It is part of our £166bn plan to ensure our armed forces have the equipment they need.

“It will sustain jobs in the North-East and hundreds more in the supply chain.”

Andrew Cook, William Cook group chairman, said he was thrilled to have signed the deal, adding it will strengthen the company’s position as Weardale’s largest employer and the status of local contractors, which the firm relies upon for parts.

He added: “I’m delighted; this has enormous implications for the area.

“The present fragile situation in Eastern Europe and the Middle-East emphasises the importance of Britain maintaining a strong and independent armoured warfare capability.”

James Wharton, Stockton South MP and Northern Powerhouse Minister, who didn’t attend the event but was quoted in a Ministry of Defence release, added: “Helping the North reach its potential is why we are committed to creating the powerhouse.

“Northern cities and towns have a long history in supplying our armed forces, and it’s encouraging to see that continue.”