The Government has pledged £6 billion in funding to be made available to local councils in order to boost regional economies.

The money, part of a series of local “growth deals”, is designed to support local businesses, create jobs and build new housing.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "Growth deals are a crucial part of our long-term plan to secure Britain's future.

"For too long our economy has been too London-focused and too centralised. Growth Deals will help change all that. They are about firing up our great cities, towns and counties so they can become powerhouses.

"By trusting local people, backing business and investing in infrastructure, skills and housing, we can create thousands of new jobs."