TWO of regional development agency One NorthEast's centres of excellence are setting up bases in the south of the region.

In the past, the agency has been critisised for basing most of its centres of excellence in or around Tyneside, with only one on Teesside.

But now it is setting up satellite offices for two of the centres in Sedgefield's science development, NetPark.

NetPark will provide facilities for the Centre of Excellence for Life Sciences (Cels) and the Centre of Excellence for Nanotechnology, Micro and Photonic systems (Cenamps).

Professor John Anstee, scientific director at NetPark, said: "This is a major step forward for science in the North-East and is further indication that NetPark is developing a reputation as the science centre of choice within the region and beyond.

"By providing a base for scientists, NetPark is seeking to add value to the Centres of Excellence and support the creation of economic opportunities for the region. In particular, scientists will benefit from access to state- of-the-art facilities to support on-site research and business incubation, as well as a package of comprehensive business support services."

Acting as hubs for research and business activity in their fields, both centres of excellence are helping to establish knowledge-based businesses in the region.