RECRUITMENT firm Northern Recruitment has opened new offices in Teesside creating 12 jobs and promising more roles by the year end.

The Newcastle-based plc opened the premises at Teesdale Business Park, near Stockton, earlier this week.

The group, which also has offices in Darlington, York and Middlesbrough, said it was hoping to take on eight more staff at the Stockton branch.

Chief executive Lorna Moran said: "In terms of recruitment, Teesside is buzzing at the moment so it seemed like the right time to increase our operation there."

The launch of the office coincided with the group's annual meeting, which took place this week in Newcastle.

Chairman Hamish Melville announced he was stepping down and would be replaced by board member Leo Finn.