TWO hundred German doctors want to work in the region's under-staffed hospitals, it was revealed last night.

On Monday, The Northern Echo reported exclusively that the Northern and Yorkshire region would have the first pick of German consultants who want to work in the UK.

As part of a deal agreed between the British and German governments, representatives from hospitals in the region will fly to Berlin next month to attend a careers fair.

Dr Peter Royle, medical director of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust, is organising the event on behalf of the NHS.

Hosted by the British Embassy, the event will allow carefully-selected German hopefuls to get to know their prospective employers.

"We have had quite a high level of interest from Germany, which has too many qualified doctors," said Dr Royle, whose own trust has eight consultant vacancies.

"So far, around 200 have responded to our advertisement."

While not everyone would be suitable, a number of promising candidates had already come forward, said Dr Royle.

About 16 Northern and Yorkshire NHS trusts have expressed an interest in hiring German consultants.

There are 110 vacant consultant posts in the region, one of the highest proportions in England.

Arrangements have been made to cut through red tape and to ensure German doctors can begin working in the UK as soon as possible.

Once they arrive, the NHS will do its best to make the recruits feel welcome.

"These are intended to be permanent posts so we will do all we can to help the doctors and their families settle in," said Dr Royle.