A call centre operator that handles National Rail Enquiries is to create 400 jobs at its Newcastle base.

Clientlogic already employs about 600 staff at its Balliol Business Park offices and the company is starting to work around the clock for some of its customers.

US-based Clientlogic will deploy the extra staff in customer service roles and working on the technical helpdesk.

The jobs are a boost for the sector, which has seen large companies offshoring their call centres to low-wage economies such as India.

Clientlogic's Newcastle base is one of four call centres in the UK that handle National Rail Enquiries services.

A spokeswoman for Clientlogic said that there could be even more jobs coming to Newcastle.

"We moved into our current building in Newcastle two years ago with the idea it could grow," she said.

"There is room for more staff there after these 400 are recruited."