LORD Wakeham, chairman of warship and engineering group Vosper Thornycroft, said he looked forward to receiving the "highest level of support" from the British government to back up its own marketing efforts.

His comments accompanied results for the year to the end of March showing record pre tax profits of £27.7 million sterling against £25 million in the previous 12 months.

The total dividend payout is increased to 23.5p from 21p on earnings per share of 57.9p against 52.6p.