Political leaders have been given a glimpse at the progress being made at a wastepaper recycling plant under construction in Prudhoe.

The Unifibres operation, on Princess Way, supplies recycled paper pulp to the adjacent Essity tissue mill, and the Swedish parent company's other sites throughout the North West.

Local government representatives, including Northumberland County Council leader Glen Sanderson, Councillor for Prudhoe South Gordon Stewart and Hexham MP Guy Opperman, visited the site at the building phase completion.

Cllr Sanderson said: "Investing millions of pounds in the site is not just a great thing to do for Prudhoe but for the whole of Northumberland."

The project will see the demolition of the existing Unifibres complex, and four replacement buildings have already been completed.

The installation of new machinery and the transfer of some existing production equipment will be taking place over the next 18 months.

An Essity spokesman said: "The importance of this multi-million-pound investment cannot be over-stated.

"It reduces our dependence on virgin pulp, will enable us to recycle lower-grade paper and board, enhances our ability to segregate plastic and metal contaminants, reduces waste sent to landfill and improves energy efficiency."

Hexham MP and Government minister Guy Opperman said: "The technology behind the new paper recycling facility is truly transformational and will secure many more jobs and apprenticeships, as well as maintaining our precious environment by helping to eliminate waste sent to landfill.

"This is huge direct investment in Prudhoe, and a massive vote of confidence in the town."