regional development agency One NorthEast yesterday unveiled its new board members.

The agency was criticised earlier this week when reports suggested the new appointments would mainly come from Tyneside, leaving County Durham and Teesside under-represented. It was also condemned for neglecting to appoint members with strong business backgrounds.

However, announcing the new members yesterday, Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt, praised the appointments.

She said: "The new board make-up means a broader range of current business experience is being brought to the boardroom table, which, together with the expertise and background of the other members, will add further value to the One NorthEast board.

"Together with the increased Government investment towards the agency's budget, it means it is geared to continue to play a major part in promoting economic development, enterprise, investment and regeneration in the region."

The new board consists of Professor Christopher Edwards, vice-chancellor of Newcastle University, Geoff Hodgson, chief executive of Federation Brewery, and Tim Cantle-Jones, director of Polar Productions, a marketing company based in Newcastle.

Others to take up the role are Jane Nolan, deputy chief executive of the Shark Group, a survival products firm, Councillor David Walsh, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, and Jackie Fisher, principal of Newcastle College.

Kevan Jones, MP for North Durham, followed up criticisms he made earlier this week. He said: "This further confirms that we have appointments that do not support the business community in the region. It further weakens what was already a weak organisation."

l A new plan for devolved regional goverment will be unveiled by a North-East academic this weekend.

Gateshead councillor Dr Jonathan Wallace has written a policy paper for the think tank, Centre for Reform, proposing a four-stage plan.

It involves a step-by-step move from current direct rule by Westminster, moving through a regional authority with strategic powers, a regional assembly with internal powers, and the ultimate goal of a regional parliament with law-making powers, similar to the Scottish Parliament.