AN international trade office has been set up in the Tees Valley to help businesses in the region increase their presence overseas.

The North-East Chamber of Commerce has opened an office in Hartlepool Enterprise Centre.

International trade advisor John Christal will provide help and support to businesses of all sizes in breaking into new markets, and will also provide a consultancy service to put processes in place for international trade.

Mr Christal said: "International trade is not necessarily more difficult than UK trade, it is just different, and business owners need to understand these differences."