A North-east public relations firm has struck a deal with a US firm to handle PR for American clients looking to raise their profile in the UK.

Recognition Marketing and PR, of Darlington, has teamed up with Schneider & Associates of Boston, in a trans-Atlantic alliance.

First assignment will be promoting a consultancy which builds and designs car parks all over the US.

It has a new UK partner and is looking to develop a national campaign to raise awareness of its services to major organisations and local authorities across Britain.

Graham Robb and Frances Bourne, partners at Recognition, will handle PR campaigns for a number of US firms that either hope to expand in the UK market, or already have operations here that need publicising.

It will also provide a link for new and existing Recognition clients looking to promote products and services in the US.

The link-up follows a business development trip to Boston earlier in the year.

Recognition handles PR for 40 clients all over the country.

It will also be operating the press office for Conservative Central Office for the North-East and Yorkshire regions during the forthcoming General Election.