A NORTH-East MP has welcomed a £330m cash boost for university staff.

Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, applauded the announcement, which was prompted by a parliamentary question he tabled.

Higher Education Minister Margaret Hodge released the cash on condition it would be used at institutions leading the way in promoting equal opportunities.

He said: "This is good news and shows the government supports the work of everyone employed in higher education."