A regeneration body has unveiled members of an advisory panel it says will help boost economic growth.
The North East Combined Authority and mayor Kim McGuinness have added commercial sector leaders to the organisation's business and economy board.
They say the venture will strengthen ties between the public and private sectors and help drive economic success.
New board members include County Durham based businesses including Nagma Ebanks-Beni, Prima Cheese co-chief executive; Brenda McLeish, chief executive, Learning Curve Group and Jim Brewin, Hitachi Rail UK & Ireland chief director.
