BUILDING contractors are planning to use a helicopter as a giant dryer, in a gamble to get workers back on a North-East site.

Britain's poor summer has taken its toll on the development of a 230-acre business park, with standing water causing construction bosses particular headaches.

In a last ditch bid to meet project deadlines, a helicopter company from Newcastle has been called in, in the hope that downdraught from a chopper's rotor blades may dry up the land.

Work on the Newburn Riverside industrial park in Tyneside, which will create 5,000 jobs, has been hampered by weather problems in recent weeks which led to the unusual idea to tackle the moisture.

Martin Burgin, owner of Eagle Helicopters, said: "This is right up there at the bizarre end of things we have been asked to do.

''At first I thought it was a wind-up but once I got down to the site I realised what the problems were.''

Contractors need to compact the land in preparation for laying foundations, a job which cannot be done if the soil is too wet.

Mr Burgin said: ''The helicopter would hover a few feet from the ground and act like a massive hairdryer.

''I have never heard of this sort of thing being tried before and so it will be a trial session.''

The builders need a couple of days without rain before trying the idea, but it is hoped the helicopter will be on site next week to try to get rid of some of the moisture.