A MP has welcomed a report which recommends initiatives to bring huge investment to the Tees Valley.

The Northern Way report was drawn up for the Deputy Prime Minister by the regional development agencies for the North-East, North-West and Yorkshire.

Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, said he was delighted that it recognised the importance of the Tees Valley to the North of England.

He said; "It recognises that Teesside is the centre of the UK's chemical industry and also that the River Tees is home to Britain's second biggest port by volume of tonnage landed."

The report suggests the upgrading of rail links to Teesport so the port can capitalise on the growing trade in container traffic.

It also calls for the development of DurhamTees Valley Airport as a key passenger and cargo centre.

The report highlights the need to invest in hydrogen fuel cell technology, money which Dr Kumar believes can be spent within the Teesside chemical complex.

Dr Kumar said: "All of these are developments which Teesside has long argued for."

He said the area had the initiative, capability and the will to develop a 21st Century economy on Teesside.

The Northern Way report, he said, was an endorsement of the campaign already under way in the area.

He said it was now up to the companies and organisations behind the campaign to work with One NorthEast, and possibly an elected regional assembly, to take the strategy forward.