A MAYOR has called for more investment for a corner of the North-East.

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon told a meeting of more than 100 Teesside businessmen: "It is crucial to lever more investment into the Tees area."

He said there were three strands to regeneration: people, buildings and street environment.

Mr Mallon said: "My view is of the three components people are the most important and a vital element of regeneration on Teesside is providing them with new skills so they can take a full share in the new opportunities that regeneration can bring."

He said essential investment would allow Middlesbrough to take its place as one of the cities of the region."