TWO of the North-East's biggest landmarks have also joined the ranks of the world's smallest objects.

Scientists and engineers specialising in miniaturisation technology have reproduced the Angel of the North and the Tyne Bridge smaller than a pinhead and invisible to the naked eye.

The team from the University of Newcastle used a combination of chemistry, physics and mechanical engineering techniques to create the tiny structures.

Both are created out of silicon, the material used to make microchips. They are about 400 microns wide, with details that can only be seen through a microscope.

The scientists, who are based at Innovation in Nanotechnology Exploitation (Inex), undertook the project to showcase their expertise in an emerging technological field, micro electro mechanical systems (Mems).

Inex business director Richard Carter said: "Newcastle is already known for creating some of the UK's largest structures - and now the region is building a global reputation for making some of the smallest.

"These are not just gimmicks. The work was performed as part of a technology development programme looking at new ways to make very small structures and devices.

"The North-East is a UK leader for this type of advanced technology and we are working hard to make sure that we remain on top of the market, which should ultimately boost the region's economy and create more jobs."

The technology used to develop the bridge and the Angel could be used to make miniaturised antennae for next-generation mobile phones.

These so-called chip antennae will significantly reduce the power consumption and cost of production of mobile communication devices.

The fact that these structures can be made in silicon is an important feature as this allows the integration of moving mechanical parts and smart materials with standard components used in the microelectronics and semiconductor industries.

The techniques are now being used by Inex to develop a number of applications on behalf of industry, ranging from accelerometer devices used in the automobile and medical markets to making grooves and channels a tenth of the width of a human hair.