A COMMUNICATIONS firm has chosen to locate its new national engineering centre of excellence in the North-East.

An initial 30 staff will work at TalkTalk Businesss new technology hub managing a national network of field-based engineers. The centre is set to become a training centre where young and apprentice engineers will learn the latest skills required by the telecommunications industry.

The company said the move was part of its plans to build its profile in the region, creating jobs as well as opportunities for young people.

The announcement comes six months after the company bought Gateshead-based systems specialist Executel. The centre will be located at Executels former offices at Cameron House opposite the MetroCentre.

Charles Bligh, managing director of TalkTalk Business - formerly known as Opal - outlined why the company had chosen to locate the centre in this region. "Having acquired Executel earlier this year, we wanted to ensure that we maintained a major presence in the North- East and so were delighted to unveil our new centre of excellence, "he said. "Not only does it build on Executels local legacy, we see the new centre as a strategic hub that will be pivotal to our continued growth, particularly within unified communications.

"Weve got some very exciting plans for the new centre, which we hope will lead to local job creation and offer opportunities to young people in the North-East to gain skills and expertise in the growing world of telecomms."