A BOOM in Derbyshire's rail, car and aerospace industries is being forecast – bringing an extra 15,700 jobs to the region within a decade.

A new economic study concludes that, in the best-case scenario, the railway sector could see the biggest expansion – with an increase in its workforce of up to 66% from an estimated 8,517 jobs currently to 14,136 by 2019.

The car industry is seen as having the next largest capacity for expansion, with a potential 4,815 new jobs, rising to a total of nearly 27,000.

The aerospace industry could see employment rise from just over 15,500 to nearer 21,000.

Richard Wilkins, president of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce, one of the organisations which commissioned the report, said the industries could see a boom as emphasis grows on protecting the planet.

He said: "Innovations in transportation will play a vital role in creating a sustainable future for the world's economy and climate.

"In Derbyshire, we have a number of major businesses with the potential to develop and manufacture innovative new solutions which can reduce the cost, journey times and environmental impact of these different modes of transport.

The report, called Planes, Trains and Automobiles, is based on 50 interviews carried out with businesses in the three sectors and the examination of numerous industry reports.

Combined, the three areas directly employ 32,000 people through major employers such as Rolls-Royce, Bombardier, Toyota and others.

However, when the supply chain serving those industries is included, the total number of people employed comes to 46,000.

And the sectors and their supply chains account for more than £10.3bn of economic output and more than 36% of employment in Derby.

The study says the three industries could have a bright future, but emphasises each must continue to be supported through Government help, and schools and colleges providing the range of skills they need.

One of the organisations behind the report is the East Midlands Development Agency.

Chairman Dr Bryan Jackson said: "I am confident that with the unique strengths we have in these sectors, our businesses will continue to grow, developing ever more innovative products and creating new jobs and wealth for Derby and the East Midlands."

Aerospace expert Dan Thisdell, news editor of Flight International, said of Rolls-Royce's future: "In the next 10 years we could see significant ramping up, as Airbus looks to develop a successor to its A320 aircraft. That would be powered by an engine which Rolls-Royce contributes to.

"Further development and building of the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 might also create new jobs at Rolls-Royce."

Neil Harvey, spokesman for Bombardier, said: "Obviously we will have to work hard in the current economic climate to continue the growth but there are opportunities there."

Michelle Craven, vice-chair of Derby and Derbyshire Rail Forum, said the fortunes of the rail industry depend on which major rail schemes the Government proceeds with and whether high-speed rail links and the electrification of lines go ahead.

City council leader Hilary Jones said the authority would look at how it could better help local industry.

"We want to build on our good relationships with many of the major businesses in Derby."