A "sense of optimism" still prevails in the UK manufacturing sector, it has been claimed.

According to the Manufacturing Institute, a lot of companies that are in the business of manufacturing - whether it be aeroplane wings or medicines - are still quite upbeat.

The organisation, which was founded by northwest manufacturers and universities, was responding to a survey by the Confederation of British Industry, which indicated that confidence is falling in the manufacturing sector.

According to the CBI survey, several regions reported falls in orders, while Northern Ireland and the northwest both reported a modest increase.

Peter Rogers, from the Manufacturing Institute, said that while there are concerns about rising energy and materials costs, there is still an overriding "sense of optimism".

He went on to say that sectors such as defence, aerospace and environmental technology are particularly confident.

In June, a spokesperson for the Manufacturing Institute said the makers of pharmaceutical drugs and medical equipment were among the most stable companies in the UK.