GREEN power generated at a redundant cement site could help focus the eyes of the world on the North-East as a major centre for renewable energy.

The natural assets of the former Blue Circle cement works, at Eastgate, in Weardale, were paraded before 40 of the country's leading energy companies.

Eastgate has a combination of wind, hydro, solar, geothermal and biomass sources, only to be found at a handful of other sites in the UK.

These could be developed into an energy theme park, drawing in visitors as well as heating and lighting thousands of homes and businesses, Newcastle consultants PB Power told a seminar at Auckland Castle, County Durham.

With the New and Renewable Energy Centre, at Blyth, in Northumberland, the energy village could establish the North-East at the forefront of the UK's renewable energy usage.

Iain Phillips, chief executive of Wear Valley District Council, said: "This is probably the most exciting set of ideas we have seen for some time.

"The site is unique in being able to demonstrate all the different land-based technologies for producing renewable energy. It could create something really exciting."

David Simms, planning director at site owners Lafarge UK Cement, said: "There is potential for the creation of a unique mixed use, renewable energy model village."

Weardale's county councillor John Shuttleworth said: "It was a professional, well-presented presentation but I was disappointed there was no commitment to jobs."

The Eastgate Energy presentation and feedback from the seminar will be put before the Upper Weardale Task Force on Wednesday.