ONE of the British Army’s highest ranking officers visited the North-East on a mission to inspire the region’s captains of industry.

General Sir Nick Parker was also given a guided tour of Nissan before being whisked away in a new Nissan Leaf for an engagement as speaker at the North East Chamber of Commerce’s president’s club lunch.

The Commander in Chief of UK Land Forces also met a number of Nissan staff who serve, or have served, in the Territorial Army (TA).

Nissan vice-president for manufacturing in the UK, Kevin Fitzpatrick, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome General Sir Nick Parker to our plant, to show him our new, 100 per cent electric, Nissan Leaf and for staff who serve, or have served, in the TA to meet him and share their experiences.”

The third president’s club lunch, attended by leaders of the region’s largest employers and influential businesses, was held at the Discovery Museum, in Newcastle.