ONE of the most influential figures of the 20th Century is to visit the region next week.

Lech Walesa, the Gdansk shipyard electrician who stood up against Communist rule and went on to become President of Poland, has accepted an invitation to speak in Durham City on Thursday.

President Walesa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983 for his work as the figurehead of the free trade union Solidarity, which played a key role in the overthrow of Communism in the Eastern Bloc.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall, he went on to serve as President of Poland from 1990 to 1995.

The 64-year-old has accepted an invitation from the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) to speak at a private meeting at Durham University's Calman Centre - his only speaking engagement in England during his visit.

James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the NECC, said: "Lech Walesa is one of the best known figures of the 20th Century and we are extremely honoured to have him speaking to members.

"Poland is one of the fastestgrowing international economies and Lech Walesa is their international emissary.

"It is a major recognition of the recent success of the North- East economy that he has chosen our region to be in the only place in England that he visits."

Staff from the NEEC used their links with the British-Polish Chamber of Commerce to secure the visit, which has been organised in partnership with One North East, Durham University and the TUC.

Professor Chris Higgins, vicechancellor of Durham University, said: "Lech Walesa is one of the world's most admirable and inspiring leaders.

"We are particularly pleased to welcome him to Durham University as he embodies many of the personal and professional qualities we aim to instill through our education here, such as determination, courage, self-belief and a strong will to build a better future for his country."

Kevin Rowan, regional secretary of the Northern TUC, added: "The region has gained much from Polish workers coming here and giving a significant boost to our economy, providing a dynamism and energy that has contributed to recent economic growth and facilitating a more subtle cultural shift as the North-East becomes more internationally diverse.

"The visit of Lech Walesa is a great coup for the region and an opportunity for us to celebrate these exciting developments."