EDUCATION Secretary Ruth Kelly visited the region yesterday to see a programme that aims to reverse the North-East brain drain.

Every year, the region loses thousands of young people who head south in search of better jobs and more money.

Aspire is a business-led advertising campaign targeted at people aged 14 to 25.

In recent months, the North-East Really Delivers TV and billboard campaign has highlighted career opportunities in the region.

A growing number of employers have pledged to support the scheme by linking their businesses with schools, colleges and young people.

Ms Kelly said: "Aspire is a very interesting initiative, which we believe has the potential to be spread out across the UK."

She also visited Newcastle to praise pupils and teachers for the improvements in school standards they have achieved in the city, and to see how other education reforms are working.