A pioneering electric car chopped in half to reveal its inner workings has edged through the doors of a museum to mark the start of a new exhibition.

The Nissan LEAF arrived at the Discovery Museum, in Newcastle, this morning (FRI) where it will be showcased as an example of the North East's world-class engineering skills.

Nissan's plant in Sunderland was the first in Europe to mass-produce electric vehicles and the region was also one of the earliest to develop a network of charge points.(Image: North News)

The museum says the exhibit will inspire people of all ages to engage in the green energy revolution that is being spearheaded in the North East.

In partnership with Newcastle University, Steam to Green: A North East Energy Revolution features historic technology as well as state-of-the-art interactive exhibits and artwork.

It also charts a history of 150 years, exploring how North East innovators and businesses have harnessed different energy sources - from Victorian fossil fuels to the most exciting renewable energy solutions of the 21st century.(Image: North News)

A spokesperson for the museum said: "Specifically designed for all ages, the exhibition offers a fun and fantastic way for the younger generation to learn about energy and the wellbeing of the planet.

"With the involvement of 18 North East businesses from the green technology sector, it will also inspire future innovators and inventors to strive for a better future.

"For hundreds of years, the sight of coal would instil fear in children as a symbol of misbehaviour.

"But, the enormous block of coal in Steam to Green will have the opposite effect, instead opening up an incredible interactive journey through fossil fuels.(Image: North News)

"As well as being able to get up close to this relic, a hands-on sensory station will explore the smell of fossil fuels, transporting visitors back to a time when we voyaged into the Earth to bring back this important resource for coal fires, ship engines, steam trains and racing cars. There is even a chance to launch a digital steamship with an interactive exhibit combining the mechanics of coal, boilers and pistons."

Also displayed is a large work by South Tyneside artist and former miner Bob Olley (b.1940) who captures the sights and memories of workers heading down the mine shafts.

Keith Merrin, Director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums said: "We're very excited to launch the new Steam to Green exhibition and event programme.(Image: North News)

"It not only tells the story of the North East's role in creating inventions that changed the world in the past, but we’ve also worked with multiple experts and organisations across the green energy sector to show how the North East is leading the way in research and innovation today.

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(Image: North News)

"We love having the opportunity to visit new exhibitions where young people can have fun interacting with them. Exploring new technologies that may impact their lives positively now and in the future, helps nurture an interest from a young age."(Image: North News)

(Image: North News)

"We hope Steam to Green will ignite a sense of pride in our fabulous North East, inspire people to take action against climate change and encourage young people to find out more about career pathways in science and engineering."

Georgi Rennison-Rae, radiographer, and Simon Rennison-Rae, architect, whose family portrait is included in the exhibition added: "Our children are aware of the fact that we use green energy in the home and on our travels. Our eldest son is particularly happy his dad uses an electric car as it is better for the environment.