Newspapers and news websites from around the North East have come together to call on the Government to provide financial support for the Crown Works Studios plan.

The Northern Echo, Journal, Chronicle, Sunderland Echo and Shields Gazette, as well as the Northern Agenda newsletter, have set aside their normal rivalries to support a scheme that they say will provide benefits for the whole North East.

A joint statement from editors Gavin Foster, Graeme Whitfield, Helen Dalby, Sophie Barley and Ross Robertson, said: “The Crown Works Studios plan has the potential to be transformational for Sunderland and the wider North East.

"It could be the catalyst for growth in the North East creative industries in the same way that the Nissan plant was for the car industry 40 years ago.

“Fulwell 73 and Cain International have developed a plan that has the backing of the whole region, as well as key players in the film and TV world.

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"We felt it was only right that the regional media unite our voices to demonstrate the depth of that support in every corner of the North East.

“Politicians of all parties have supported the plans but now is the time for the Government to provide the financial support to back up those warm words.

"The Crown Works plan is levelling up in action and an opportunity that cannot be squandered.”