Hilary Armstrong MP has welcomed an improved scheme aimed at keeping digital media and technology graduates in the region.

Codeworks, the North-East's centre of excellence established to encourage growth in digital technology, has secured £390,000 funding from One NorthEast to extended its placement programme.

The money will be used to put 51 graduates on paid placements lasting either three or nine months at a number of digital companies across the region.

For the past three years, Codeworks has run a successful placement scheme, which allowed students and graduates to work in companies for between ten and 12 weeks.

The new programme is designed to give graduates a more in-depth experience and a better chance of securing a permanent position.

Hilary Armstrong, Social Exclusion Minister and MP for North-West Durham, said: "Student and graduate retention is a massively important issue for the North-East - particularly in the technology sector - so it's terrific news that they've received funding for another set of placements."

The first group of 23 graduates is being recruited now to begin their placements immediately, with a second group of 28 graduates scheduled to start next summer.

Ms Armstrong officially opened Codeworks' new offices at St Peter's Gate, Sunderland, on Friday.

Herb Kim, chief executive of Codeworks, said: "With regard to the regional skills agenda, ONE are not just talking but taking action.

"Their strategic support of the Codeworks placement programmes has already made a significant impact on the fortunes of digital companies in the North-East and their renewed support means that we can continue working to improve the links between industry and universities."