BARKSTON Plastics Engineering has opened new manufacturing premises in the North-East to take advantage of the region's willing and able workforce.

The Leeds plastics fabrication business has opened the operation in Victoria Road, Hebburn, in South Tyneside, creating six initial jobs with more to follow.

Tim Kiernan, managing director, said the enthusiasm and ability of the workforce in the North-East was the deciding factor when looking for new premises.

He said: "People are the most important asset of any business, which is imperative to our day-to-day operation, and we feel we have found one of the most skilled workforces in the country.

"The training and development support provided by South Tyneside's council's economic development team has been invaluable and has already helped to provide us with a willing and highly-skilled workforce ready to take up new posts."

South Tyneside's economic development team has secured £80,000 from the EC to boost its Flexible Training Fund that offers cash backing to organisations wanting to create courses that can help unemployed people get back into work.

Paul Waggot, leader of South Tyneside council, said: "We are delighted that Barkston Plastics decided to open the new arm of its expanding operation within the borough, bringing extra jobs and prosperity to the area.

"It is important that we continually look at ways of helping unemployed people in the borough to access new job vacancies whilst at the same time proving to potential investors that there is a skilled workforce that is ready to hit the ground running.