shipyards have been given a huge boost by an order for three new Royal Navy warships, helping to secure thousands of jobs.

BAe Systems said a further three Type 45 destroyers will be built, adding to three previously ordered, taking the total value of the programme to £2bn.

Work will now be guaranteed to the end of the decade at BAe's yard at Scotstoun in Glasgow and at Vosper Thorneycroft in Southampton.

And spin-off work could provide opportunities for shipyards on the Tyne, including Swan Hunter and Cammell Laird.

A delighted Brian Phillipson, group managing director of BAe's Sea Systems said: ""We have in place solid foundations for the future of military shipbuilding in the UK."