European cash windfall for North

Alnwick Garden has benefited from European Objective cash

Millions of pounds of European money is coming to the north-east of England to help with regeneration projects - on top of existing budgets.

The region beat last year's targets putting it in line for the extra £20m.

In the past, European Objective cash has funded rebuilding projects, such as the Gateshead Quays, Alnwick Garden and Middlehaven in Middlesbrough.

The European Commission said the new money will be used for landmark schemes and community-based initiatives.

Manfred Beschel, responsible for all European funding across the UK, visited the North East from Brussels last week to witness some of the major changes in the region.

'Significant benefits'

He said: "European funding has an enormous impact on communities, business and the area as a whole.

"The North East has responded well and used European funding wisely for the benefit of the region."

Jonathan Blackie, Regional Director of the Government Office for the North East, said the money was good news for the region.

He said: "The European funding programme has brought significant benefits to the region and this bonus further helps our work.

"Despite this further funding boost, we know that competition for remaining resources is increasing and we are working with partners across the region to ensure that the most significant projects are still able to receive our support."