The North East is tipped to become a sustainable hub, standing to gain a £1.9 billion annual boost to the economy and supporting 27,000 green jobs as the UK transitions to net zero.

This was according to speakers at a summit by Net Zero North East England, an event which brought together more than 200 representatives from various sectors.

Heidi Mottram, co-chair of Net Zero North East England, and chief executive of Northumbrian Water, said: “Achieving net zero is the biggest challenge facing the UK today, but for the North East it’s a tremendous opportunity too.

"We have the right industrial strengths, the right skills, and - importantly - the right ambition to be a driving force for positive change on net zero, in a way which benefits our economy as well as our environment."

Net Zero North East pushes for a comprehensive regional response to the climate emergency.

It gathers minds from local governments, businesses, education, and the public sector.

North of Tyne Mayor, Jamie Driscoll, said: “Climate change is real, and it’s happening now. If we get it wrong, our economy will crash with it. If we get it right, we can create thousands of jobs and usher in an era of cheap, clean electricity and warm homes."

For more information, visit: www.netzeronortheastengland.co.uk