BAe Systems says almost 2,500 jobs at its Brough plant in East Yorkshire have been made more secure after a government announcement.

Foreign secretary Jack Straw has admitted that it has approved the sale to India of components and production equipment for Hawk jet trainers.

Mr Straw said previous government statements that it had not received an application for a licence to export the Hawk to India had given a "misleading Impression".

He blamed the confusion on Foreigh Office officials.

Indian government

BAe wanted the licence to enable it to move quickly if the Indian government decided to go ahead with a contract to build the Hawk locally under licence.

A spokesman for BAe Systems in Brough said the news would be welcomed by workers at the plant.

But he added that the company has yet to sign a deal with the Indian government.