THE region's best female business brains will be looking to work together through a new networking group.

The North East Women (New) group was established by the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) to encourage businesswomen to share ideas.

It will hold an inaugural business lunch tomorrow, at the Thistle Hotel, Middlesbrough, starting at noon.

The speaker will be Catherine Ellington, the managing director of TFM Radio.

Ms Ellington began her career at the Teesside radio station in 1988 as a sales executive.

Following the success of its Women in Business lunches, the chamber hopes the group will provide a regular opportunity for women from all levels and fields of business to exchange ideas and discuss regional and topical issues.

It also aims to increase female membership and participation in chamber events.

Jeannette Roddy, membership director at the NECC, said: "We have a growing role to play in the region's business development and events such as this will help to increase opportunities and get more women involved."

The lunch is sponsored by the Thistle Hotel and places can be reserved by calling 0191-386 1133.