PORTS in the North-East have agreed to collaborate to create a “gateway to the world.”

A new Northern Ports Association will see PD Ports in Teessport and the Port of Tyne join forces with ports in Liverpool and Hull in a bid to make importing and exporting easier.

The association’s creation is a recommendation in IPPR North’s Northern Ports report, which highlighted the domination of southern ports and the problems in transporting imports and exports across the UK.

Geoff Lippitt, business development director at PD Ports, said: “The launch of the Northern Ports Association is incredibly positive.

"It will unite us in developing a stronger, more progressive and prosperous northern economy linked to international trade."