For centuries, families in Wear Valley have earned their crust by using the natural advantages offered by one of the most spectacularly beautifully, yet isolated parts of the country.

The Dale provided rich pickings - land for farming and cattle, while below the rolling hills lay substantial deposits of limestone and coal.

Generations have been employed in the manufacturing, building and textiles industries.

But the past few years have not been kind to this once-prosperous area. The global economy has wreaked havoc on the industry that settled there and more natural disasters, such as BSE and foot-and-mouth, have taken their toll on the farmers.

Now, the district must find new ways to survive as its economy struggles to cope with the pressures of overseas competition.

Economy expert Professor Ray Hudson, from the University of Durham, believes a new way of thinking is the way forward for the south of the county.

He said: "The loss of major employers is obviously worrying for these communities, but it doesn't have to be drastic.

"Jobs can be clawed back with some imagination and ambition - small businesses and local trade exchange schemes can all help in these situations and shouldn't be sniffed at."

Last month's news that 340 clothing jobs will be lost at Sara Lee Courtaulds, in Tindale Crescent, Bishop Auckland, in October, was the latest in a series of blows.

Other recent job losses in south Durham include 87 at J Barbour and Sons, Crook, 80 at Ohmega Electronics and 70 at Warner Electric, both Bishop Auckland.

In August last year, LaFarge UK's cement works, at Eastgate, closed with the loss of 147 jobs and the workforce at Weardale Steel, in Wolsingham, has been halved.

Neighbouring towns have also suffered job cuts, including 100 at Sloman Engineering, 123 at Blenheim Furniture, 150 at TKA Tallent Chassis, all Newton Aycliffe, 120 at Vertex, Shildon, and 950 at Black and Decker and 95 at Thorn Lighting, both in Spennymoor.

Wear Valley District Council has organised today's summit at Auckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland.

Derek Foster, MP for Bishop Auckland, said: "We need to find solutions to the short-term threats to jobs, and we need to build for the long-term future by increasing business start-up rates, support small firms looking to expand and invest in the area to bring more jobs.

"I'd like to see strong partnerships with further education centres to improve the prosperity of our town centres and make the most of the potential tourism market."

Weardale MP Hilary Armstrong is unable to attend the summit.

She said yesterday: "We need to generate employment - quality jobs that will last and pay well.

"It is important that we encourage more people to start their own businesses and show our young people that they do have a future in the district."

Derek Cattell, of the GMB union, said: "I hope all the agencies get together to start a jobs renaissance in the area.

"The summit needs to produce real commitment from the public sector to succeed where the private sector has failed to secure jobs."