Green revolution brings fresh hope to north-east England

Dogger Bank on course to be the world's largest offshore windfarm in a region built on coal

• UK's green economy four times larger than manufacturing sector, says report
• Abandoned pits of former mining town fuel green job creation

In north-east England, green shoots are beginning to emerge after decades of economic decline. From the Tyne's former coal heartlands to the Humber, local communities are poised for a green revolution, sparked by plans to build the world's largest offshore windfarm at Dogger Bank in the North Sea.

Paul O'Neill, a manager at the County Hotel in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, believes the offshore wind industry could change the reputation" of the region.