Northumberland County Council welcomed over 100 local organisations to a special event to boost the local economy and jobs.

The free event took place at County Hall in Morpeth on Friday, March 1.

With over 300 contracts awarded annually, including construction, social care, utilities, ICT, education, transport and catering, the council is eager to encourage local business.

The council's supplier event was designed to assist local organisations in building an understanding of writing good tenders, knowing what the council requires, and finding available opportunities.

It was informed about upcoming legislation aimed to open public procurement to all supplies, particularly small businesses and social enterprises, to help them compete for and win more public contracts.

Deputy leader of Northumberland County Council Richard Wearmouth said: "It was fantastic to see so many organisations represented and from the feedback we have received they found the event both informative and productive."

"Nortumberland County Council spends around £600 million every year on projects, goods and services.

"That's a considerable amount of money for a rural county."

"We really want to spend this money locally wherever we possibly can so we can support local businesses, help economic growth and boost employment in Northumberland."