FORMER North-East shipyard workers who crossed the Atlantic in search of work two decades ago are bringing up to 50 jobs to the region.

Norman Richardson, Peter Hansen, and John Shaw left the Swan Hunter yard in Tyneside for Canada in the 1980s, during the decline of the region's last ship yards.

They are returning to set up Phoenix Hazmat in Shildon, County Durham.

The company will offer the removal of hazardous wastes, such as asbestos, in sectors ranging from heavy industry, to marine and petrochemical companies. It is also looking at the growing market for decommissioning Britain's civil nuclear industry.

Mr Norman, 50, managing director, said: "It is unbelievable to see the amount of change in the region - it is now so cosmopolitan, vibrant and clean."

Initially, the move will create 27 jobs on Shildon's Dabble Duck Industrial Estate, but the three men and colleague, Mickey Cleeter, aim to eventually increase this to 50.

The decision to return follows the success of their Canadian hazardous materials removal company, Phoenix Enterprises, in British Columbia.

The move was aided with a Selective Finance for Investment grant of £113,000 from One NorthEast. The agency's nuclear sector specialist is also assisting the company to establish a client base in the region.

County Durham Development Company (CDDC) and Sedgefield Borough Business Service also provided assistance.

One NorthEast director of business and industry, David Allison, said: "In the 1980s, opportunities were limited in North-East England and these former shipyard workers took a bold step in moving to Canada to find work.

"However, their return to the region demonstrates how far we have come in the last two decades."