NORTH East engineering and manufacturing is once again coming under the national spotlight.

Plans for this year's Durham Oktoberfest have been announced which will showcase the region's strengths within these important sectors.

The event, which gives businesses a platform to promote themselves and meet potential customers and suppliers, is now in its eighth year.

And organisers have promised Oktoberfest 2015, which is under the control of the new County Durham Engineering and Manufacturing Network (CDEMN), will be the best yet.

David Land, Chairman of CDEMN, said: "The North East is home to hundreds of successful businesses who are helping the region establish a global reputation for excellence and cutting edge processes.

"Our supply chain within these sectors is worth billions of pounds to the region's economy and Durham Oktoberfest is the perfect platform to ensure it continues to grow.

"What makes Oktoberfest unique is that as well as enabling companies to showcase their world class capabilities, it also gives new and growing SMEs the chance to meet some of the country's biggest employers. It's a great event and on I am personally delighted to be part of."

Durham Oktoberfest Show Director Paul Sun said: "Each year since the inaugural event in 2008, we've attracted more exhibitors, buyers and attendees. The challenge this year is to build on what we've achieved in the past and drive Oktoberfest forward to become not just a regionally respected event, but a national one.

"I've been involved in some form with Durham Oktoberfest from the very start so I know how important the event it is to the engineering and manufacturing community here, and we are confident this year will be the most successful yet."

Details about speakers and Meet the Buyer participants will be announced in due course.

Durham Oktoberfest 2015 is being held on Thursday, October 22, at the Xcel Centre in Newton Aycliffe. To find out more visit www.durhamoktoberfest.org.uk.