CAR manufacturers are already showing interest in M-Sport's new evaluation centre, under construction at Dovenby near Cockermouth.

Ford and Bentley have signalled their intention to use the £19m facility, which will be an exclusive centre for automotive engineering and development excellence.

Work began this summer and M-Sport has so far recruited 20 people to work there.

Ultimately, it hopes create 100 skilled jobs while another 50 are being employed on the centre's construction, which is due to be completed in 2018.

M-Sport says the centre’s mix of evaluation track and technology workshops makes it unique, while the the secluded setting has attracted Ford and Bentley who are keen to develop new models away from the prying eyes of competitors.

Just last month, an evaluation and assessment team from Ford based itself at M-Sport for 10 days, using B roads to gather user data for a new model.

Meanwhile, Bentley has committed to using the centre's indoor testing and rolling road machines to simulate road conditions in a controlled environment.

M-Sport also hopes to target manufacturers of electric and hybrid vehicle technology.

Managing director Malcolm Wilson said: "Both Ford and Bentley have expressed an interest in using the facility when I initially outlined plans.

"The centre has a unique offering and the indoor evaluation machines, capable of replicating and simulating road conditions, are currently in demand by manufacturers.

“We are aiming for in excess of 100 new skilled positions once the facility is operational.

"However, we’ve already created 20 jobs as demand for our services increases. The centre will create important career prospects for the local workforce.”

That view is echoed by Lakes College, at Lillyhall, which provides skills training and apprenticeships.

Lakes College principal Chris Nattress said: “The new development at M-Sport will open up significant career opportunities for young people in West Cumbria, and Lakes College will focus on equipping students with the vocational skills, especially in areas like motor vehicle engineering and machine fabrication, to take their first step onto the career ladder with an important local employer.

“As the largest apprenticeship provider in Cumbria, we are looking forward to strengthening our relationship with M-Sport even further."