BUSINESS leaders from across the Tees Valley threw their weight behind the Newcastle-Gateshead European Capital of Culture bid yesterday.

The Tees Valley Partnership met at Samsung, near Hartlepool, to officially sign its support for the North-East neighbours to gain the title in 2008.

The high-profile support comes as the bid moves into the crucial final stage of shortlisting before the final announcement in June.

It marks a determined effort by leaders in business, local authorities and the arts to get the whole region behind the joint bid.

To coincide with yesterday's event, the Arts Council also announced a £10m boost to arts in the Tees Valley area.

It is hoped that ambitious plans, including the development of a Centre for International Street Arts, in Stockton, will raise the arts profile of the whole region as the bid process reaches its climax.

Sir Ian Wrigglesworth, former MP and now chairman of the Newcastle-Gateshead Initiative, told the conference: "Teesside can now buy into something that can change the perception of the North-East, not just outside the region, but more importantly inside it.

"Without a doubt, the bid is of benefit to the entire region. It involves £100m of new investment - which will attract £1bn worth of income into the region - not just for Tyneside, but for Tees Valley and the region as a whole."

Andrew Dixon, chief executive of Northern Arts, pledged his support to the bid and revealed how arts projects could help the bid.

He said: "Tees Valley has a wealth of talent that can make a great contribution to the bid. There is no way we are playing second fiddle to Newcastle and Gateshead.

"We have many new projects lined up - an exciting new gallery in Middlesbrough and the street arts centre in Stockton are just two - and they will all highlight what this region has to offer."

Councillor Bob Gibson, leader of Stockton Borough Council, said the whole region will benefit from a successful bid.

He said: "There will be massive spin-offs for jobs, tourism, sporting and cultural events."