A BUSINESSMAN finally achieved his six-year dream of opening a multi-million pound biscuit factory in the region yesterday.

Mobeen Mehdi told more than 200 people that it was the day he had been waiting for, and he was proud to see his dream come to fruition.

Britannia Biscuits' new production facilities at the South Tees Imperial Food Park, at South Bank, near Middlesbrough, has cost £4.5m and will create 150 jobs in one of Teesside's most deprived areas.

It is the first business to set up on the park, the North-East's first industrial development dedicated to attracting food-related businesses.

The park has been developed by the regional development agency, One NorthEast, in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

Mr Mehdi, 47, has lived in Teesside for 37 years and first had the idea of a biscuit factory to serve the vegetarian and halal markets in 1992. At the time he could not get the necessary backing to go ahead but nearly ten years later, his dream has become a reality.

Mr Mehdi said: "This is a wonderful day. This was my dream and it has been realised. I thank all of those people who have helped me to achieve it.

"I am very proud of the area I come from. To build my factory here and help the local economy by providing jobs and security for people is just great."

The factory was opened by Redcar MP Mo Mowlam, who said: "Mobeen came to see me about four years ago. I was immediately impressed by his passion, motivation and self belief. Some people may have been sceptical about his plans - a Boro lad with a big idea - but he has made it.

"This is great news for Teesside and brilliant news for South Bank.