HUNDREDS of jobs in the region's coal mining industry will be safeguarded as part of an multi-million pound aid package.
H J Banks' sites in Northumberland are to receive £703,000 to bolster existing jobs there.
The European Commission cash, totalling £8m, will go to coal mines in England and Wales to help the industry through short-term energy market problems, including a low world coal price and competition from gas-fired power stations.
Energy Minister Peter Hain, who unveiled the cash boost yesterday, said: "This money will protect vital jobs around the country and send an important message to the coal industry.
"Those who dismiss the industry as having little relevance are wrong. Provisional figures show that coal accounted for 33 per cent of all electricity supplied in the UK in 2000 and this will not be easily replaced."
The bulk of the cash, £6.5m, went to beleaguered industry in south Wales.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article