Innovation in British manufacturing is to receive an extra £20 million government investment, it has been announced.

The Technology Strategy Board is to invest in UK manufacturing to help companies research and develop new technologies in order to maintain international competitiveness.

One project is the development of flexible packaging to enable microwave cooking of multi-component ready meals. This involves Manchester-based Pataks Foods, an employer of around 650 people.

Science and innovation Minister Ian Pearson said: "Manufacturing is a vital sector of the UK economy, accounting for over 50 per cent of our exports.

"Major investment in innovative research and development (R&D) ...will enable us to maintain and improve the quality of the UK's manufacturing capability in key areas."

Another project is the production of sensing technology for freeze-drying. This involves AstraZeneca, which has a major R&D base in Cheshire.

The UK is the world's sixth-biggest manufacturer and the northwest is a major contributor.