A devolution deal for the North of Tyne region has been approved in what the Government describes as an ‘unprecedented' transfer of power from Westminster to the North East.

Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry last night signed the Parliamentary order, which formally confirmed the deal involving Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside MBC and Northumberland Council.

The final agreement includes more than £600m of Government funding, which will be divided into 30 annual payments of £20m.

It is expected to generate £1.1bn for the local economy, 10,000 new jobs and drive more than £2.1bn in private sector investment.

Mr Berry said: ‘We're transferring funding and decision-making away from Westminster and placing them directly into the hands of local people, allowing them to have a real say over their future.'

North Tyneside's elected mayor, Norma Redfearn, said: ‘We have shown that we are big enough and bold enough to carve our own destiny, and devolution puts us in a very strong position to build on our strengths and achieve great things for all of our businesses and residents long into the future.'