AN organisation for future leaders whose former members include Bill Clinton and UN secretary general Kofi Annan is launching a North-East branch.

Junior Chamber International (JCI), which has more than 250,000 members in 121 countries, is aimed at ambitious people in their 20s and 30s.

With the backing of regional development agency One NorthEast and the North East Chamber of Commerce, JCI is being set up in the region.

JCI North East England, which has secured support from UK Trade and Investment, is recognised as a way to learn and progress in their careers.

Founders say the organisation is not just for business people, but for a cross section, including private and public sector and people in the medical profession.

Inaugural JCI North East England president Haani Hasnain, 26, the chief executive of Hartlepool cabling firm Haani Cables, said: "This is a tremendous opportunity for anyone wanting to get actively involved in a range of activities that we hope will engage, challenge and enthuse this region's rising stars.

"There are plenty of organisations and clubs out there for more senior members of the business community, but for young talent, there is very little to offer."

The branch will be officially launched at The Baltic, in Gateshead, on Thursday, May 18, at 6.30pm.

For more information, call JCI North East organiser Mike Parker, on 07984 471504.