Vital Government aid to boost jobs will be available in key parts of the North-East, it was confirmed last night.

The European Commission finally approved the Government's proposals to add Darlington to the new "assisted areas" map.

The move means that companies in the town will be able to bid for a share of a £150m national pot of regional selective assistance.

Yesterday's decision also means that most council wards in Teesdale, Wear Valley and Sedgefield will also be covered by the assisted areas map.

Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster was delighted with the news.

"We have probably got as much as we could expect. Any help in setting up businesses and creating new jobs is welcome," he told The Northern Echo.

Other areas covered include: Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton, Derwentside, Durham City, Easington and Sunderland.

Much of Redcar and Cleveland is also included, but in a change from the original proposals, Brotton is brought into the map and Guisborough loses out.

The news has already been welcomed by members of Darlington Borough Council.

John Williams, leader of the council, said: "Assisted area status is one of the important pieces of the jigsaw which will help Darlington attract more investment and create more jobs."