Billingham, South Shields and Newcastle levelling up bids successful

The funds will help create a net zero centre at the Holborn Energy Centre

Almost £60m of government backing has been granted to projects in the North East of England.

Three schemes in the region are among 55 nationwide to win support in the third round of "levelling up" funding.

The cash will go towards the regeneration of Billingham town centre, the redevelopment of South Shields' riverside and a project supporting the River Tyne's economy.

Councils have welcomed the funding boost.

Just over £19.4m will support the development of a restoration facility on the northern bank of the Tyne.

Newcastle City Council's leader Nick Kemp said the project will help sustain the use of the river and enable continued access to its quays.

He added: "Ship-building is an iconic part of our industrial heritage associated with the River Tyne and today the area has evolved into a global hub for offshore renewable energy manufacturing.

"This investment will help to secure the long-term future of this sector, safeguarding thousands of jobs, helping to create new opportunities and supporting work being done to improve the river environment."

'Coughing up the cash'

Billingham twice lost out on levelling up funding, but Stockton Borough Council's third attempt was rewarded with £20m to support town centre regeneration plans.

Nigel Cooke, the authority's cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said the "long anticipated" funding was vindication of the council's commitment to Billingham.

MP Alex Cunningham praised Stockton council's "bold vision"

The town's MP, Alex Cunningham, said: "I'm really pleased ministers have now realised the quality of the council's bid and are now coughing up the cash."

After also having its bid rejected in a previous funding round, South Tyneside Council has been awarded £20m.

The investment will support the relocation of South Tyneside College into the centre, the redevelopment of Customs House and the cultural quarter and the development of a net zero centre at the Holborn Renewable Energy Network.

Council leader Tracey Dixon said the projects aimed to "boost the economic and social recovery of South Shields through culture, skills and the green economy".

South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck said: "After being continually overlooked for levelling up funding, I'm pleased the Government have finally listened."

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said the funding project is intended to bring transformational change in "overlooked and undervalued" communities.