THE North-East's ever increasing call centre division has rung up more good news with plans by AXA Insurance to create around 100 new jobs.

The firm will be dialling up the additions to the numbers at its Darlington centre during the first half of the year as part of a national recruitment programme.

A further 350 staff will be recruited at centres in Colchester, Ipswich and Morecambe.

In addition to the full time staff, AXA also plans to recruit a number of part-time personnel for its personal communication centre to work over weekends and in the evenings.

David Thompson, head of personal communication, said: "AXA Insurance's personal communication centres enable potential customers to get quotes and buy policies over the phone.

"The method has proved to be very successful and we need to attract additional people to help us meet the increasing demand for AXA policies."

The new recruits will join 200 colleagues presently working from its base at offices previously operated by Guardian Royal Exchange in Beaumont Street.

Mr Thompson added: "We are very pleased that the increase in our employment base will provide us with an opportunity to strengthen AXA Insurance's ties with Darlington."

The staff will be introduced to motor sales for direct customers, and within the first few months they can anticipate expanding their experience to include other insurance.

AXA was also linked with an office development at the former Cummins engine component factory in Yarm Road, Darlington which was transformed by mobile phone operator Orange.

Property developer Highpoint Estates bought the site in 1999, and secured a deal with Orange to take over a major slice of it for a new call centre.