Politicians have welcomed a new partnership between Northern Mayors set to help the region 'lead the way' for the rest of the country.

'The Great North' - a partnership bringing political leaders together to 'unlock the North’s economic potential' in areas such as energy, defence and advanced manufacturing and creative industries, was announced today.

Kim McGuinness, North East mayor and the group's chair, says it will look to create jobs. She said: “The time has come for a resurgent north to unite and proudly lead the way to a fairer more prosperous UK, and The Great North is our vehicle for change.

"This country needs a northern story written by northern minds, not one handed to us by Whitehall, and this Great North partnership puts us on track to write it.

“The opportunity is immense and we are ready to work with anyone who is equally determined to create good jobs."

Its name is based on the branding of the Great North Run, a global export from the region.

(Image: PR)

City of Durham MP Mary Kelly Foy hailed the plan a 'fantastic opportunity'.

"The exciting news is that this isn't being driven by politicians sat in Westminster - these........

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