WE understand the concerns surrounding yesterday's confirmation that regulators have given the go-ahead in principle for hybrid embryos - created from the merging of human cells and animal eggs - to be used for research.

Interfering with nature is a potentially dangerous path to take, with all kinds of ethical and moral questions being raised, and it is right that they are vigorously debated. But on balance, we believe that yesterday's announcement by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority should be seen in a positive light. This is an area of science which has advanced to the point at which great benefits can be delivered for mankind.

Experts believe it could lead to major breakthroughs in treatments for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other serious illnesses. In the light of that, how can science be denied this opportunity to be a power for good, provided it is executed under strict controls?

The North-East should take particular pride in the fact that the region is at the forefront of this pioneering work. We congratulate the team at Newcastle University for leading the way and wish them well.

REDCAR, once a thriving and popular seaside resort, has not had the best of times in recent years.

It has been in need of a lift and the filming of the blockbuster film Atonement in the town is a golden opportunity to really put Redcar on the map. Those involved in securing the unlikely deal deserve a lot of credit because it is a great coup.

Now, the challenge is to maximise the glorious marketing opportunity that has been created because chances like this don't come along very often.