NORTH-EAST coal can still power the region and deliver vital jobs, bosses at a County Durham mining firm have said.

Officials at Banks Group issued the rallying call after submitting plans for a new development.

The firm, headquartered in Meadowfield, near Durham City, hopes to run a surface mine at Highthorn, in Northumberland.

It says at least 50 jobs will be created, with another 50 existing posts switching from a sister Northumberland site.

The project is being overseen by bosses in Banks’ mining division.

Mark Dowdall, Banks Group’s environment and community director, said: “Coal is still a central part of the UK's energy mix, with around 30 per cent of the electricity we use to power homes, businesses, schools and hospitals produced through coal.

“However, more than 85 per cent of this coal comes from overseas.

“It makes far greater sense to support local jobs, deliver environmental and conservation enhancements and provide a secure supply of energy by mining our own reserves.”

Northumberland County Council is expected to make its decision on the plans next year.

If approved, work could start at Highthorn in 2016.

Banks already runs surface mines at Brenkley Lane, near Newcastle, and Shotton, Northumberland, which employ more than 200 workers.