AN emergency jobs summit takes place today as officials attempt to stop the axe falling on more jobs in a hard hit part of the region.

Key figures will meet to try to find a way to turn round the fortunes of Wear Valley's economy, which has suffered a series of devastating blows in the past 12 months.

Wear Valley District Council called the meeting after one of the area's major employers announced it faces closure later this year.

Clothing manufacturer Sara Lee Courtaulds warned staff last month that the plant at Tindale Crescent, Bishop Auckland, could close in October with the loss of 340 jobs.

The news came on the back of other plant closures, including that of Ohmega Electronics, in Bishop Auckland, J Barbour and Sons, of Crook, and LaFarge UK's cement works, in Eastgate.

Representatives from stakeholders - including Durham County Council, One NorthEast, Government Office North East, the Employment Service and local businesses - will hold a debate on the problems and all possible solutions.

Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, will also attend the event, which is being supported through the newspaper's Working for a Future campaign.

The campaign was launched in October to call for more aid to the region and to promote the many positives that make it an attractive, vibrant location for business.

Nick Brown, Minister for Work, will chair the summit at Auckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland. Because the once-mighty industries, such as textiles and manufacturing, are in decline, the agencies will look at ways for the district to triumph over the pressures of national and international economic forces.

Read more about the Working for a Future campaign here.