NORTH-EAST MP Nick Brown has quit his position in the Government - hours after pledging to help beleaguered industries in part of the region.

The Newcastle East MP's departure as Work Minister is part of Prime Minister Tony Blair's reshuffle.

He is the second North-East MP to resign in as many days, following Health Secretary Alan Milburn.

Mr Brown's departure last night came only hours after he chaired a meeting of officials from the world of industry and regeneration to look at ways of reviving part of County Durham hit hard by job cuts.

Business and political heavyweights attended the Wear Valley jobs summit, chaired by Mr Brown.

The event, at Auckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland, was called by Wear Valley District Council after news that another major employer faces closure.

The summit was told the area must now look to attract a diverse range of enterprises because of the decline in traditional industries. Mr Brown said: "There is no one answer, but we need a clear route forward and we will commit to rally round for the people who look to us for leadership."

He promised to explore all opportunities of bringing Government business to south Durham.

Bob Hope, the district council's director of regeneration, outlined the need for better infrastructure, including better use of the A68, the main road through the region to Scotland, and support for the Weardale Heritage Railway.

Mr Brown and Dr John Bridge, chairman of One NorthEast, said they would push for Broadband technology for the whole district.