LOGISTICS North has been named as one of 65 hubs that could play a significant part in the expansion of Heathrow Airport.

The manufacturing and distribution development in Over Hulton was unveiled on the list of off-site hubs that could help the airport deliver its expansion plan.

The 65, which were chosen from 121 applications, will be whittled down to four and they will pre-assemble components of the expanded airport before transporting them in consolidated loads to Heathrow.

Cllr Linda Thomas, deputy leader of Bolton Council, said the announcement was a 'real show of confidence' in Bolton.

She said: "Logistics North is the largest industrial development in the North West and we are delighted that it has been placed on the longlist.

"This is a real opportunity for Bolton to play a crucial role in the expansion of Heathrow and if the bid is successful it could bring hundreds of jobs for our residents adding to the thousands already created."

If selected, it would also help Heathrow become more sustainable by reducing emissions through transporting assembled components to site in fewer lorries.

Heathrow chairman Lord Paul Deighton said: "As the UK leaves the EU, Heathrow is an essential infrastructure project that will ensure Britain remains an open trading nation.

"As part of that, Heathrow’s third runway will rely on talent from all over Britain helping to create a national asset for generations to come.

"This means new procurement opportunities for businesses in every region, helping drive growth and investment into local communities in all corners of this country.

"Our aim, to harness the skills we need through long-term projects such as the Logistics Hubs and Business Summits, will drive jobs and investment leaving a legacy of increased productivity for the construction sector.

"The third runway is not a London centric project – it is one we are opening up to the whole of the UK, asking for its skills and expertise to help build an asset this country so desperately needs to safeguard its future prosperity."

The revelation comes just weeks after online retail giant Amazon announced it was opening a new distribution base at the centre, creating at least 1,200 jobs.