A NEW era in the regeneration of Teesside began yesterday with the launch of a new-look committee to lead the development of the area.

Government minister for local government and the regions, Hilary Armstrong, was in the area to see how successful regeneration has been so far, and what is planned for the future.

Ms Armstrong visited the Ragworth estate in Stockton, with its modernised houses and anti-crime measures, and the Gresham area of Middlesbrough.

She also heard how the multi-agency Stockton Renaissance body is to play a greater role in the future regeneration of Teesside.

The group will widen its role to include improvements in health, education, crime reduction and community development. It will continue to work on economic and environmental development.

Stockton Renaissance is made up of community members, including residents, businesses and health organisations.

Councillor David Coleman, of the board, said: "It will be the job of Stockton Renaissance to develop the strategies that will encourage other areas of the borough to follow the example set in Ragworth.

"In particular, it will make it easier for the various organisations that provide services to work in a coordinated way.

"The ultimate aim is to ensure that services continually improve and are targeted at the neighbourhoods most in need."

While in Middlesbrough, Ms Armstrong opened new offices in Melbourne House for the West Middlesbrough New Deal for Communities Partnership.

The building will allow groups working in the New Deal area to be situated in the same building, making it easier to coordinate their work.