LEADING figures from across the spectrum of North-East business will meet today to thrash out a blueprint for saving manufacturing in the region.

Crisis talks will take place against a backdrop of shock news that British American Tobacco plans to close its Rothmans plant in Darlington.

The manufacturing summit, taking place at the Samsung Centre in Wynyard Park, Billingham, aims to form a powerful alliance of organisations and firms dedicated to mapping out a brighter future.

The Regional Manufacturing Plan will be unveiled at the event as well as the interim findings of a skills audit of the region's manufacturing base.

At the heart of the plan is the message that the industry - employing 175,000 people across the North East - will continue to be a pillar of the regional economy for years to come, but that to succeed, it must have the skilled employees to fill increasingly specialised posts.

Improving the skills of the region's workforce is seen as crucial to meeting the future demands of employers.

Delegates will discuss an action plan for future implementation based on the final skills audit results to be released in September.

One NorthEast, the Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF), Learning and Skills Council Tyne and Wear, CBI, TUC, North East Chamber of Commerce and Regional Centre for Manufacturing Excellence have united in an effort to raise awareness of skills issues facing the manufacturing sector.

An impressive line-up of speakers from companies such as Samsung, House of Hardy, Caterpillar, Atmel and Filtronic will make their presentations to the summit.

One NorthEast chairman Dr John Bridge and chief executive Alan Clarke will make opening addresses with Nick Brayshaw, chief executive of Wagon plc and chairman of the CBI Manufacturing Council, delivering the keynote speech.

Mr Clarke said: "It is crucial for the future success of our region that we continue to have a strong manufacturing base with the skilled employees able to fill the increasingly specialist job requirements of tomorrow."

Mr Brayshaw said: "Manufacturing remains a key provider of employment - both directly and indirectly through related and supplier industries.