THE North East Chamber of Commerce is to exhibit pieces of the region’s business history at two public exhibitions as part of its 200th birthday celebrations.

Historical items on display include a letter to the Chamber from Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain shortly after he returned from Berlin, before the start of WW2.

Artifacts from the Northumberland Fusiliers throughout the First World War are also on display, alongside a telegram from King George V and Lord Kitchener congratulating the Chamber on its centenary year.

The exhibitions are free to attend and will be held at the Literary & Philosophical Society in Newcastle throughout the month of April. Another opportunity to attend will be at the Cargo Fleet Heritage Galley in Middlesbrough throughout May.

James Ramsbotham, Chief Executive of NECC, said: "The exhibitions very much champion the ingenuity, enterprise and innovation of members of North East industry.

“The Chamber has amassed a considerable archive from three centuries and this exhibition not only details landmark achievements for North East industry but also recognises some of the most tumultuous events in the history of the region.”