NORTH-EAST civil engineering company Southbay Civils has brought in work worth £9.5m.

The North Tyneside firm is working on three multi-million pound contracts awarded by the Port of Tyne Authority.

It is creating an entrance jetty for Tyne Dock and working on the Riverside Quays development on the banks of the River Tyne.

Southbay has also been involved in the upgrade of Northumbrian Quay, installing the fenders required for the arrival of the QE2 on Tyneside, which happened yesterday.

Gordon Green, director of Southbay, which has seen turnover rise from £500,000 in 2002 to £6m last year, said: "We've been delighted to have been awarded a series of large contracts for the Port of Tyne Authority and glad they commissioned a local firm with national expertise."

"We aim to continue a strong presence in the river and coastal projects and further develop our design and build fendering systems."

Apart from working in the marine sector, Southbay also works for several North-East councils and and has built up a significant client base during its five years in business.