A NORTH-EAST charity is set to benefit from a new partnership with the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

On Wednesday, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen named Stockton-based 'A Way Out' as its partner charity for 2020.

The charity delivers services to improve the lives of vulnerable women, families and young people in communities, police custody and prison, schools and on the street.

Mr Houchen said: "We talk about building an economy that works for everyone, creating jobs and opportunities, but it’s also important to make sure we provide the most vulnerable people with those same chances.

Mr Houchen said he had been 'struck' by the charity's contributions those living across the region.

He added: “Charities do so much for the people of the Tees Valley region, often without the recognition they deserve."

The new partnership will see the charity benefit from fundraising and and volunteering opportunities set up by the Combined Authority.

Sarah McManus, chief executive of A Way Out, said: "It is great that the TVCA are recognising and supporting members of our community who are further away and have less of a chance and opportunity to benefit from the economic growth that is happening in the region."