Jobs are being created at a power station in the region after British Energy reported a return to profit thanks to higher energy prices following January's financial restructuring.
Twenty-one posts will be created at Hartlepool power station during the next year.
Stuart Crooks, Hartlepool's station director, said 35 staff have been taken on in the past 12 months as part of a recruitment drive.
He said: "This means high-quality jobs for the area, which has a direct and positive impact on our local economy and regional prosperity."
British Energy, which produces about a fifth of the country's electricity, relisted on the stock market in January following a debt-for-equity restructuring, which saw banks and bondholders write off about £1.3bn in debt in return for control of the group.
The company reported annual earnings of £94m, just below analysts' forecasts at £96m.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article