Dr Philip Diamond said on Monday that the radio telescope could become the envy of the world - if it won the support of the region.

He hopes £6million will improve the facilities and make the Merlin telescope 30 times more sensitive.

"We will be able to look further into space and see galaxies forming at the edge of the universe," he said.

"It would probably make us the best in the world and is a major leap forward."

On Monday 2,000 astronomers from across the world were discussing the future of Jodrell Bank during a conference at Manchester University.

Earlier this month national newspaper reports claimed the Cheshire landmark and other science centres could disappear to help fund a new project in Chile.

But Dr Diamond said this week that the story had been 'blown out of all proportion'.

However he warned: "If we don't get funding and stay at the forefront then we could be downgraded."

Local stargazers are now hoping for a share of a £25million Government handout to science projects in the North West.

Last week Cheshire County Council backed the observatory's bid for financial support.

County Councillor David Lloyd-Griffiths said the improvements could lead to the observatory adding to its 100-strong workforce.

"If the bid fails there is a real danger that highly-skilled jobs would be lost," he said.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.