THE eyes of the business community will be turned toward the regional development agency One NorthEast over the coming weeks and months as the selection process for a new chairman progresses.

The role is seen as crucial for the future direction of the body tasked with furthering the economic growth of the region.

Applications for the post must be lodged with recruitment agency NRG Group no later than today.

The outgoing chairman, Dr John Bridge, will leave the post on December 12.

His successor will enjoy a £47,800 salary for working two days a week. The initial contract is for three years.

An advertisement for the post, placed with a national newspaper, outlined the need for "strategic leadership and direction" to move the organisation forward.

The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with incoming One NorthEast chief executive Alan Clarke.

The former chief executive of Northumberland County Council was chosen earlier this week to replace Mike Collier.

Dr Bridge stands down after a considerable period at the head of some of the formative organisations in the region's economic community.