The viability of under threat Belfast shipyard Harland and Wolff has been strengthened by a new contract to build Royal Navy frigates.

A consortium which includes the company has won a £1.25bn contract to build the warships, it has emerged.

Harland and Wolff entered administration last month under business advisers BDO after its Norwegian owners failed to secure a buyer.

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Around 120 jobs are at risk and the future of the yard, which is best known for building the Titanic, is uncertain. Union Unite has been campaigning for weeks to keep the east Belfast yard open, and said an announcement of the contract is imminent.

Harland and Wolff forms part of the Babcock consortium to build the Type 31e frigate which would provide at least six year's work for the shipyard. Workers are currently occupying the historic site, which houses the two iconic yellow cranes, as they battle to secure its future.

The union said any announcement "must include bringing Harland and Wolff under public control" so the local shipbuilding community can reap the benefits.

(JG/CM)