WORLD class Dorset aerospace group Cobham today reported a 9.5 per cent rise in underlying pre-tax profit to £182.9 million, despite a fall in revenue.

Wimborne-based Cobham saw its revenue drop 6.9 per cent to just over £1 billion for the year ended December 31.

Revenue fell after Cobham disposed of some non-core business, such as composites for the Formula One market.

Cobham employs 10,000 people worldwide (1,000 in Dorset). It is now Britain's 128th largest company with a market capitalisation of at least £2 billion.