HAMPSHIRE designers have this afternoon been praised for their key role in the production of a state-of-the-art passenger jet.

Technology experts at Eaton, which has a base in Titchfield, played an important part in the manufacture of fuel systems for the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which made its first commercial delivery flight today.

The President of Boeing UK, Sir Roger Bone, and Fareham MP Mark Hoban met at the Hampshire plant to celebrate the flight from Seattle to Tokyo.

Eaton's UK staff helped to develop technology which it is hoped will see the aircraft use 20 percent less fuel than similarly sized jets in operation today.

The company employs more than 1,000 people at its plants in Titchfield and South Molton.