THOUSANDS of shipyard workers' jobs are secure for decades after a parliament vote secured a four-boat deal.

The go-ahead for the Successor programme will be a massive boost for the Barrow and Furness economy, according to MP John Woodcock.

Yesterday campaigners gathered to celebrate the 'Shipyard Future Secure' rally outside Barrow's Dock Museum with the BAE Systems Devonshire Dock Hall in the background.

New apprentices, children from Barrow Island's Bram Longstaffe Nursery School, campaigners and councillors turned out in force to celebrate the news.

Britain's Trident nuclear weapons system was given a strong vote of confidence by MPs – including 140 Labour MPs who backed renewing the subs which carry the deterrent on Monday.

The decisive result was returned in support of a government motion which also included supporting the plan to replace the existing submarine fleet carrying the missiles with four new submarines built in Barrow.

Mr Woodcock, the Barrow and Furness MP, said: "This is a vote of confidence in the BAE Systems workforce; it is also a massive boost for the Furness economy and it will bolster UK security in a volatile world.

"Our whole community has worked so hard and I am really proud to have walked through the Aye lobby on Monday night to secure the shipyard's future.

"This will guarantee thousands of jobs in the years to come and ensure the shipyard remains the foundation of our local community.

"I want to thank all the campaigners and the media, especially the Evening Mail, for making sure this has been at the heart of our community.

"It shows how we come together when we need to, to make this town a stronger place.

"This is a victory for everyone in the community and I'm deeply grateful to all involved.

"This has been the proudest day of my parliamentary life."

Tony Johns, BAE Systems Submarines managing director, said: "It's a great day for us. I'm glad it came to a clear and swift conclusion and I want to thank John (Woodcock) for taking it forward."

County councillor Anne Burns added: "Thanks must go to Stuart Klosinski and Terry Waiting, who cannot be here as he is in hospital, for all their hard work over the years.

"My husband, daughter and son-in-law were all made redundant from the shipyard in one day and on that day I vowed to get the jobs back in the area.

"This has now made our future secure and thanks to John Woodcock for working tirelessly to make our futures secure."

Unite spokeswoman Gail Bundy said: "A big congratulations to everyone on this result. Lots of people have worked tirelessly to get this which now sees the future of Barrow and Furness secure."

Barrow council leader Dave Pidduck said it was great to be part of the celebrations as he had started working in the yard as an apprentice.

He added: "This means we have job security but it has been a long, hard fight. This is about our young people.

"The life expectancy of this contract is to 2050 and that is wonderful news for our retailers and everyone in the town."

Submarines boss hails Trident vote as ‘biggest for yard in 25 years’ read more

Government's Trident renewal motion backed by 140 Labour MPs more here

The politicians who voted for and against Trident renewal full list

NOSTALGIA: Construction of shipyard's Devonshire Dock Hall 30 years ago Picture gallery