ENGINEERING company Cleveland Bridge last night promised a "significant" jobs boost after winning a £60m contract to help shape the new Wembley Stadium.

The Darlington-based bridge builder will supply and erect the steelwork for the prestigious £757m stadium, which is set to be the most expensive in the world.

Bosses say its deal with Australian company Multiplex Constructions will help ensure continued job security for the 450-strong Darlington workforce.

But scores of new jobs could also be created with Cleveland Bridge set to advertise locally for workers to help carry out the project.

Council and union leaders have hailed news of the company's continued success.

Councillor John Williams, leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: "This is absolutely brilliant for Darlington and for jobs in Darlington.

"The achievements of the Cleveland Bridge group can already be seen all around the world.

"Now the company is to play a major role in the reconstruction of the world's most famous football stadium."

Gerry Hunter, regional organiser with engineering union Amicus, said: "This is very good news for engineering in Darlington. Everyone is delighted that Cleveland Bridge has been awarded this contract."

Work on the new Wembley will take place in three phases over the next two-and-a-half years.

The project was first announced in 1996, but repeated delays have meant that it was only finally confirmed this week.

Bulldozers are expected to move in on Monday to clear what remains of the original site, with the new stadium opening by 2006.

Cleveland Bridge will build the "triumphal arch" in the stadium design - which will replace the famous Twin Towers - and work on the bowl structure and the roof.

A spokeswoman said that fabrication of the steel required would begin in Darlington in March and would be erected from June.

She said: "People coming off current projects will be re-deployed to the Wembley project.

"There will also be a significant increase in new jobs as a result, although it is too early yet to say how many."

Chief operations officer for the Cleveland Bridge Group, Derek Pattle, said: "Cleveland's experience in fabricating and erecting complex steel structures, and our successful track record, were key to winning the Wembley contract."

Cleveland Bridge has gone from strength to strength since a management buy-out of Norwegian giant Kvaerner just two years ago.