MAJOR educational initiatives are being set up to tap into the region's home-grown talent.

The proposals were unveiled at the launch of the Regional Education and Learning Forum at Shotton Hall Business Centre, in Peterlee.

Intended to promote an inclusive approach to education and learning, they are the joint brainchild of The North East Regional Assembly and the regional development agency One NorthEast.

A keynote speech called Education and Lifelong Learning, the Key to Success, was delivered by, Lord Dearing, former chairman of the National Curriculum Council, who said: "My experience has been that higher educational standards underpin our efforts to attract investment. For home-created businesses, we have traditionally lacked people with enterprise, ability and confidence to develop their own companies and create job opportunities.

"The potential of the people of the North-East is manifest - let's convert it into successful business.

"Good progress is being made by LEAs and schools in improving standards of attainment, but if we are to genuinely change the face of the region in the short and longer term, we must put education at the forefront of people's minds."

He made a plea for an inclusive drive to raise standards of attainment and lifelong learning for all.

He said: "We need to break down barriers so that young people do not see working for yourself as something you do on the side.

"We must work together to get our message across to parents, grandparents and young people - that education matters."

He warned: "We musn't be afraid to talk about current limitations in reading and writing. Time spent at school and in learning is vital.

"Unlocking our potential - the key to our success - is first and foremost about locking into a commitment to education and learning."

For One NorthEast, Jonathan Blackie said: "Our joint agreement to establish a regional education and learning forum will give the Region more credibility, and strengthen our case for additional resources for the North-East.