A £70,000 investment is funding a major business expansion at Alexander Technologies Europe Limitedd (ATE), in Peterlee, and it could lead to the creation of 12 jobs.

ATE employs 37 people at its facility on Peterlee South West Industrial Estate, where it assembles rechargeable batteries for the communications industry.

The expansion has attracted support from County Durham Development Company (CDDC). Phil Eadon, director of marketing at CDDC, said: "We've worked closely with the company since it was established in County Durham 17 years ago and we look forward to the continued success its manufacturing efforts deserve."

Tania Cooper, managing director of ATE, said: "CDDC has been a great partner over the years and we appreciate its continuing support.

"It helps to show our American parent company that County Durham is committed to providing for the needs of manufacturing industry."