Nissan to create engineering jobs - graduate jobs

Nissan's Wearside factory is among those to receive "significant" Government grants, facilitating the creation up to 1,000 engineering jobs for graduates at the plant.

The first round of Regional Growth Fund (RGF) saw 50 firms across the country provided with grants worth £450 million. The investment package was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

A spokesman for the Japanese car manufacturer said: "Nissan and the UK Government have been in discussions regarding a number of potential projects which could be sourced to the Nissan Sunderland plant in the future.

"Government backing via the Regional Growth Fund could help to support these projects as we continue to develop our business case over the coming year. Details of these projects remain commercially confidential."

Other businesses that were successful in their bid for cash from the RGF include Cumbrian Seafoods, based in Seaham, and Connor Solutions, in Houghton.

Meanwhile, Durham County Cricket Club - which intends to build a 150-bed hotel, 2,000-seat theatre and skills academy - will also benefit from it.

The fund is especially designed to help create private sector jobs in areas currently dependent on the public sector. It is also expected to help close the North/South economic gap.