GATESHEAD College has signed a three-year sponsorship deal to support the North East Chamber of Commerce’s (NECC) annual Tyneside and Northumberland dinner.

The college sees this as a demonstration of bridging the gap between business, education and training.

Richard Thorold, principal at Gateshead College, said: “This exciting partnership with the NECC is a reflection of the strength of that commitment and our place at the heart of the region’s business and economic community.”

Gateshead College has been co-sponsor of the annual event for the past two years and has benefited from partnership with NECC. The college launched a new sports mentoring programme that will be overseen by double Olympic gold winner Dame Kelly Holmes.

NECC chief executive, James Ramsbotham, said: “The college and NECC are in agreement that businesses and the education sector must work together if we are to realise the region’s undoubted economic potential.

“Gateshead College has ensured that its profile will be maximised through the dinners, and hopefully more mutually successful relationships with globally-recognised figures such as Dame Kelly Holmes will be created.”

This year’s dinner will be held at Newcastle Civic Centre on Thursday October 25.