THE North-East's first specialist training centre for logistics and transport has been set up in Durham.

The Durham Logistics College is the area's first organisation to be awarded registration by the Institute of Logistics and Transport for its courses, ranging from introductory certificate to diploma level.

Joanna Jackson, founding partner of the college, said there was much more to logistics training than people imagined. "Many people dismiss it as being about teaching warehouse people how to drive fork lift trucks, but they couldn't be further from the truth," she said.

"Logistics is about effective management of the supply chain and involves every stage of the process, from purchasing and materials management through to production planning, warehousing and distribution.

"To do this effectively requires a high degree of ability, and we felt there was a real gap between the type and level of training and education on offer, and what professionals and their employers wanted."

Ms Jackson said the high calibre of tutors was an important factor in students' success.

"Our award-winning tutors are drawn from a variety of logistics backgrounds, including the retail, automotive, chemical and packaging industries, which allows us to match the right tutor to each student," she said.

Training is available through open-ended programmes designed to fit around other work and family commitments, and students can opt to receive assignments and feedback via e-study or traditional paper-based methods.

Close links with the Institute of Logistics and Transport are maintained through Kevin Rumfitt, who in addition to being co-founder of the college, is also the institute's North-East education and training officer.

Details on courses are available by calling 0191-3755150 or visiting the www.durhamlogistics-college .com website.