UP to 80 jobs could go at Orange's operations in the Tees Valley.

The Darlington offices, in Lingfield Way, are expected to shed about 77 jobs as part of moves to cut 300 positions from the company's five call centres across the UK.

The decision to cut jobs was announced last month. Positions believed to be under threat include administration, coaching and supervisory staff.

Consultation with staff representatives is believed to have been taking place for the past two weeks. The consultation period is expected to last up to three months.

Orange employs about 5,000 staff in the North-East, at sites in Darlington, Peterlee and North Tyneside.

The Peterlee operation will shed 56 jobs, while up to 42 will be lost in North Tyneside.

An Orange spokeswoman said the company needed to stay ahead of the game in a very competitive market. "Despite these planned job losses, Orange will continue its recruitment drive for about 500 front-line staff in its customer services department."