A SCHEME to clean up and re-use ten derelict sites across the North-East using groundbreaking technology is to go ahead, part funded by the European Union.

A consortium led by the University of Teesside is to demonstrate how brownfield land can be used to grow crops to generate renewable energy, while also providing a cost-effective and sustainable way of renovating contaminated land.

Dr Richard Lord, from the university, said: "If contaminated former industrial sites can be utilised in this way, it will make a significant addition to the agricultural land available for energy production."

Most of the sites will be in and around Teesside, but the precise locations will not be announced until the New Year.

Environment Minister Elliot Morley said: "Businesses, universities and councils can make an important contribution in developing technology and methods to help us boost the amount of material we recycle and improve the quality of our local environment."