AN international disaster recovery specialist has set up a base in the North-East.

Staffordshire firm BELFOR has chosen Washington, Wearside, for its 14th UK branch, giving it complete coverage of the country.

The firm specialises in cleaning, drying and rebuilding homes and businesses following fires, floods and other disasters.

BELFOR North-East operations manager Dave Edwards said: "We had a number of offices around the country ensuring coverage of all regions except the North-East. The region has a strong economy and a base here was essential to continue our economic expansion.

"In the near future, we hope to employ a further three technicians, taking the total to five, as well as staff to work in the administration department."

The Tyne and Wear Development Company helped the company find the 2,000 sq ft premises on the Swan Industrial Estate.

Development company investment officer Nick Kemp said: "This investment is a sign of the growing confidence many large companies have in relocating to, and expanding within, Tyne and Wear.

"We are continuing to attract a number of multi-national corporations and BELFOR is the latest in a line of recent investments.''