AS part of The Northern Echo's new Level Up North-East campaign, we asked Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen what he believes Government is doing to truly level up our region.

Covid vaccine

"Our research organisations like CPI in Redcar have helped global pharmaceutical companies develop and improve their vaccine manufacturing processes and Fujifilm Diosynth will soon be manufacturing 60m doses of the Novavax vaccine at their world-class manufacturing facility in Billingham."

Treasury North

"Securing Treasury North for Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool is an amazing achievement and means that the most powerful department in Government will soon beat with a Darlington heart. But now we need to deliver Treasury North and get it up and running as quickly, and as smoothly, as possible."

Freeport

"The Teesside Freeport marks the start of us returning to our rightful place on the world stage as a global player in advanced manufacturing and engineering. As we look towards our recovery from Covid, this allows us to not only recover but come back bigger, better and stronger than ever. A path of prosperity, investment, jobs and a better life for local people."