GOVERNMENT pledges to back a jobs drive in a hard-hit corner of the region still stand, despite a last-minute blow to regeneration efforts.

Hours after chairing emergency talks in Wear Valley, County Durham, on Friday, Work Minister Nick Brown found himself out of a job following a phone call from Prime Minister Tony Blair.

But Government Chief Whip Hilary Armstrong, who missed the summit to stay in London for the Cabinet reshuffle, moved quickly to offer reassurances last night that Mr Brown's offers of support were made on behalf of the Government.

Mr Brown had pledged to pursue the possibility of bringing Government jobs to the district to replace some of the thousands lost in manufacturing over recent months.

He pledged to contact the Department of Trade and Industry to speed up broadband connections in a bid to encourage technology-based enterprises and small businesses run from home.

Ms Armstrong, who represents the northern half of Wear Valley, will be meeting the new minister, Des Browne, this week.

She said: "Everything Nick Brown said still stands. He was speaking as a Government minister.

"There are not going to be any instant miracles. This is about making sure we get the right investment to encourage growth of small businesses in the area.

"If we can get Government jobs, that will have an impact. Bringing the Passport Agency to Durham with 500 jobs has already made a difference."

Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster was encouraged by the commitment of regional agencies to back the district's efforts.

He said: "We were all delighted that we got so much fire power in the room. It was the first time that had happened in my 24 years as an MP. I do not think that would have happened without the presence of a minister.

"We had the chairman of One NorthEast Dr John Bridge and the top civil servant in the region Jonathan Blackie (regional director of Government Office North East) and we got some important undertakings.

"Nick Brown was a good friend to the North-East and I am sure his successor will be equally supportive. The district has relied heavily on manufacturing and has been harder hit than most by its decline, but now is the time to bring new life through new forms of employment.

"People want to feel that there is some hope and we can see a way forward and I really think we are now turning the corner."