A North-East university has announced plans to boost its chemistry department - a move which it claims could benefit the regional economy.

Applications for chemistry places at the University of Newcastle have soared by more than 14 per cent over the past three years compared to a national average increase of just under two per cent.

Some other UK universities are closing their chemistry courses but Newcastle has plans to appoint several new chemistry lecturers over the next few years, to expand its student body by boosting recruitment efforts and broaden its research base to meet new challenges from UK science and industry.

Chemistry research at Newcastle will be restructured to concentrate more on nanoscience - a growth industry in the region - and medicine as well as materials science.

The university claims the move should benefit the region's economy as more graduates will be produced for employment in industry sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals and health care.

This year 350 applicants are competing for 70 places on Newcastle's chemistry degree courses for September 2004.

Dr John Errington, head of Newcastle 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.

"It bodes well for a long-lasting future for chemistry and will ensure a constant supply of high-quality graduates for the science economy."

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

One leading scientist who voiced his concerns, former Nobel Laureate Sir Harold Kroto, said drastic government action was needed to save chemistry from becoming extinct in the UK.

Last night 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, at a time when expertise in the chemical sciences is more vital than ever before for the country's economic health and social welfare."