A HUGE area of the sea off the North East coast was set to be opened up to wind farms in a Government bid to increase Britain's renewable power in June 2008.

Environmental experts predicted the region would be perfectly placed to exploit the growth in the lucrative wind power industry by manufacturing and installing turbines.

It was announced the industry could generate an extra 76,000 jobs by 2020, with up to half of these in the North-East, according to a report.

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The Crown Estate, which owns the seabed around the UK, launched round three of its scheme to license companies to build wind farms.

It chose 11 potential offshore sites, the largest of which was an area – about 150km by 50km – off the North East coast.

The sites were chosen for their levels of wind, water depth and potential connection to the National Grid. Shipping and environmental concerns were also taken into account.

The scheme aimed to deliver on the December 2007 Government announcement of a major offshore wind power expansion, which aimed to provide up to 33GW of energy – enough power for every household in Britain.

AN award-winning fashion designer was struggling to keep up with demand for her one-off dresses – after they were a hit with pop stars Girls Aloud.

Kate Fearnley was working seven days a week to finish designs, which were just as likely to be seen on a Saturday night out in Newcastle as on the red carpet at a star-studded awards ceremony.

Her business had been growing steadily over the previous seven years, but orders started pouring in since girl group Girls Aloud started wearing her creations.

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She said: "Working with Girls Aloud catapulted us into the limelight and we now consider them friends.

"Girls of 15 come into the shop now to place orders because they can buy a piece of that kind of lifestyle and own a made-to-measure one-off dress for about £120."

Ms Fearnley's individual dresses have also been worn on the red carpet by actresses from Hollyoaks.