A NORTH-East university has announced plans to boost its chemistry department, which it says could benefit the regional economy.

Applications for chemistry places at the University of Newcastle have risen by more than 14 per cent over the past three years, compared with a national average increase of less than two per cent.

Some other UK universities are closing their chemistry courses, but Newcastle has plans to appoint several more lecturers in the subject over the next few years, and broaden its research base.

The university said the moves should benefit the North-East economy because it would produce more graduates for employment in industry sectors including electronics, pharmaceuticals and health care.

This year, 350 applicants are competing for 70 places on Newcastle's chemistry degree courses for next September.

Dr John Errington, head of the university's School of Natural Sciences, said: "The popularity of chemistry at Newcastle is not just good for us, it is also good news for the UK and the North-East."

The boost to the department comes amid concern over closures of UK chemistry degree courses.

Leading scientist Sir Harold Kroto has warned that drastic Government action is needed to save chemistry from becoming extinct as a study subject in the UK.

Yesterday, he said: "I'm delighted Newcastle University is showing the way to save the country's priceless science base by boosting its commitment to chemistry."