A CHEMICAL industry specialist has been chosen to spearhead the drive to expand renewable energy and recycling.

Dermot Roddy was appointed chief executive of Renew Tees Valley, which aims to help start up new businesses and create jobs.

The company is backed by regional development agency One NorthEast, the Tees Valley Partnership, and other agencies and will be led by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Renew Tees Valley, based at the South Tees Business Centre, has already got involved in a wide range of leading edge developments including pioneering work in the use of hydrogen and biofuel technology.

Dr Roddy was born in Northern Ireland and educated at Queen's University, Belfast, he has been involved in the chemicals industry for the past 17 years, much of that time on Teesside - including working as site director for the Petroplus refinery at Seal Sands.

He has also been involved as a consultant on the Tees Valley Hydrogen Project.

Dr Roddy said: "Environmental, economic and legislative pressures mean that renewable energy and recycling are amongst the fastest growing business sectors - and we must ensure that we build on the unique advantages which already exist in the Tees Valley."

Neil Etherington, chairman of Renew Tees Valley board of directors, added: "This area has a great heritage of industrial innovation and achievement - Renew Tees Valley is all about ensuring that we continue that record into the industries of the future."