BUSINESS leaders from across Tyneside and Northumberland celebrated the news that the recession is finally over at a dinner in Newcastle.

The North East Chamber of Commerce annual Tyne and Northumberland dinner attracted around 300 guests from across the regional business spectrum to acknowledge the excellent work of companies.

Newcastle Civic Centre played host to this year’s event, which included two inspirational speakers; three-time Paralympic gold medal winner Stephen Miller and former Observer editor in chief Will Hutton.

NECC president John Mowbray said: “It was fantastic to see so many regional champions of business at this year’s Tyne and Northumberland dinner.

“In a year when we dipped back into recession, our region has continued to perform well in export markets and has seen a significant increase in employment levels.

“This is evidence that business is doing its bit to improve the UK’s economic fortunes.”