THE cloning of human embryos is guaranteed to inspire passionate debate.

Is it a case of dangerous interference with nature, or human beings maximising their skills and knowledge for the long-term benefit of the species?

We can appreciate the arguments on both sides. The concerns about "Frankenstein science" - and whether rogue scientists will go on to try to clone babies - are understandable.

But, like it or not, the genie is out of the bottle, there is no going back, and there are huge benefits to be had for society if the knowledge is used in the right way.

The fact that Britain's first human embryos have been cloned in the North-East should be a source of pride for a region which had the vision and courage to invest in such pioneering research.

Although they are some way behind the Korean-led team which became the first in the world to clone a human embryo last year, scientists at the Centre For Life in Newcastle are to be congratulated on a remarkable achievement.

We look forward to future announcements in the region about how the research is aiding the rebuilding of organs and the fight against diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer's.

This is a breakthrough which offers a great deal in the right hands. Since the dawn of time, science - driven by man's inquiring mind - has had an inevitable momentum.

We must just all hope that it is handled with extreme care.