THE leader of an influential House of Lords committee has praised the advances made in the North-East technologies sector.

Lord Broers, chairman of the House of Lords science and technology committee, spent two days in the region.

He visited the New and Renewable Energy Centre (NaREC) in Blyth, Northumberland, to see its pioneering facilities for testing developments in wind, wave and solar power.

Lord Broers, president of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: "Impressive steps are being taken in the North-East to ensure the beneficial exploitation of science and technology.

"The focus on innovation and skills, along with the commitment to creating effective partnerships, is a critical step in ensuring that technology can be harnessed for the good of the region."

A pioneer in nanotechnology, he also visited the head offices of the domnick hunter group in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, where it produces micro-filtration products.

Richard Maudslay, chairman of the North East Science and Industry Council and a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineers, accompanied Lord Broers on the tour, which also took in Newcastle and Durham Universities.

Mr Maudslay said: "He has come to see technology and engineering being used in the workplace in world-leading companies, such as domnick hunter.

"And he will also be gaining an insight into emerging technologies we are trying to develop in the North-East, in areas which will generate an increasingly significant proportion of our wealth in years to come."

Doug Everard, NaREC chief executive, said: "It is important to see engineers of the stature of Lord Broers taking the lead in the energy field and taking a real interest in the issues we are tackling at NaREC.

"He was clearly impressed with the range of our facilities and is looking forward to watching NaREC develop as an international player in the renewable energy market."