PRINCE Andrew was in the region yesterday to check out what the North-East has to offer in terms of education and innovative industry.

The Duke of York visited Emmanuel College, in Gateshead, and Komatsu UK, in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street.

He met the college's head boy and girl, Paul Cellini and Roxzanna Robson, and watched year 11 student Binika Liu work on a technology project.

The prince was also introduced to 17-year-old Simon Forster, who has just achieved his Air Cadet Gliders pilot's licence and Ben Johnson, 17, who will represent Great Britain in this summer's model aircraft manoeuvring world championships.

He was welcomed by college principal Sir Peter Vardy, chairman of Emmanuel College Foundation.

Sir Peter said: "The students were very excited to be given the chance to see His Royal Highness and to show off some of the projects they are working on.

"The chance to welcome a royal visitor to the college is an enormous privilege for us all."

Prince Andrew also launched the latest innovation in diggers that has been designed by excavation manufacturer Komatsu UK.

The firm's latest 16-tonne machine was launched by the prince yesterday morning.

Managing director of Komatsu UK, Peter Howe, said: "The duke's visit has been a great boost for the workforce responsible for helping us continue to produce some of the best products in the industry.

"The duke was given a comprehensive tour of the plant to provide him with an insight into what we do here at Birtley.

"We are sure His Royal Highness left the site with a very positive and lasting impression."