HOPES are rising that a scheme to build the world’s largest offshore wind farm off the Yorkshire and North-East coast will serve as a major boost to the Tees Valley economy and stem the “brain drain” from the region.

Darlington Borough Council leader Councillor Bill Dixon said bosses behind the Dogger Bank offshore wind farm project, which if completed would deliver more than five per cent of the UK’s electricity needs, were showing strong interest in basing their operations and maintenance base in the Tees Valley.

The Tees Valley is thought to be competing with areas such as Blythe and Tyneside to play host to the base, and those backing the Tees Valley say it has geographic and infrastructure advantages.

He said Statoil vice president Halfdan Brustad’s recent and impending visits gave “a huge opportunity to secure jobs and investment in the region” and credibility for future energy schemes.

Cllr Dixon said Darlington could benefit from the scheme due to the recent rise in firms in the town working in the sector, such as Modus, Deep Ocean and Subsea Innovation, and by helping to map out career paths for students.