THE director general of the CBI, Digby Jones, has visited a North-East college.

Mr Jones went to South Tyneside College's School of Maritime Studies and Engineering during a visit to see at first hand the excellence achieved by the region's training providers and companies,

He was shown helicopter training in the pool of the Marine Safety Training Centre at the mouth of the Tyne, and then went to the main college site, in South Shields, to see the marine simulation centre and engineering workshops.

He said: "South Tyneside College is well known for the high standards of its facilities and teaching staff, playing a vital role in maintaining the skills and reputation of the UK marine industry.

"The college is a major service provider for the North-East, exporting knowledge to companies around the world, as well as working to maintain the skills base of the region."

South Tyneside College was founded in 1861 as the Marine School of South Shields and has expanded into all sectors of marine and offshore training.

Arthur Chadwick, vice principal at the college, joined Mr Jones on his visit. He said: "It is a great honour when somebody of this stature visits the college. I think it confirms our position, not only as a major employer, but also as a leading exporter of training services in the region."