Read Sharon's reaction to the Government's decision to expand Heathrow below:

“Now that the Government has finally got their act together and announced their decision on a third runway at Heathrow Airport, it is important that they now deliver on this important transport infrastructure programme which will have a clear and positive impact on the North East.

“With Brexit showing that the future of our economy is unclear, it is vital that investment into national transport infrastructure benefits the regions of the UK, especially regions such as the North East where we need to see more growth and investment, in order that we can deliver on the untapped economic potential our region holds.

“The expansion of Heathrow and building the third runway at this important international hub will benefit the North East greatly by allowing our region’s airports, at Newcastle and Durham-Tees Valley, to become important commercial hubs which serve not only the needs of major conurbations in the North but also other regions in the UK and the rest of the world with improved connectivity.

“This is an absolute imperative when the North East’s export performance, as the only net exporter in the country, shows we have far more to be offered to our country’s economic future. Instead of squandering this potential, the Government must recognise and harness it so that it not only benefits our region’s economic development, but also the whole country’s.

“We still have a long way to go before the runway is built, but it is important our region is not being left behind as this strategically important infrastructure programme goes ahead. Dithering by the Government on such a nationally significant issue cannot continue; they must now get on with the task at hand.”

ENDS