SKILLED crane drivers and welders across the region are being approached to help with the construction of a multi-billion pound oil processing plant in Canada.

The work has been added to the hundreds of positions for qualified steel erectors, electricians, pipe fitters, welders and shuttering joiners that Canadian engineering firm Flint Energy Services is looking to the North-East to fill.

More than 50 North-Easterners have already flown out to northern Alberta, in Canada, to work on the plant, with an additional 100 expected to go next month and scores more in February.

Recruitment specialist Roevin Management Services, which has offices in Redcar and Newcastle, struck a deal with Flint earlier this year to fill a large number of the 4,000 positions with skilled workers from the region.

Roevin's human resources director, Gordon James, said Flint is looking for mobile and crawler crane drivers and welders with ASME 9 qualifications.

"The fact they are looking to this area for these additional trades is a reflection on the performance of the people already out there," he said.

"The first group has done us proud and their work commitment and skill level has led to this increased requirement in skilled workers."

Anyone interested in finding out more about the job opportunities can attend an open day at the Jobcentre Plus office in Wallsend, Newcastle, tomorrow.

The £50,000-a-year job packages include free accommodation, food and travel, with employees working abroad for 12 weeks and returning home for two.

For details, call the Jobcentre on 0191 220 8703.