MERGER talks are being held between two of the region’s colleges.

The proposal will see Hartlepool Sixth Form join forces with Sunderland College and its Sixth Form in a bid to secure financial stability and continue to deliver courses to students in Hartlepool.

Mo Bunter, principal of Hartlepool Sixth Form College, said: “We explored a number of options, but none came close in terms of the cultural fit between our two organisations, and the absolute commitment we both share to academia.”

And Ellen Thinnesen, principal and chief executive of Sunderland College, added: “The merged colleges will see the development of a financially-stronger, more resilient organisation into the future and will lead to further investment for the people that matter the most - the young people studying in Hartlepool and Sunderland”

Details of the consultation process are on the website of both colleges.