The North-East could be on track for a second Metro system, if plans outlined this week are approved by the Department for Transport.

Community leaders in the Tees Valley are hoping their dream of a "world class" public transport system, which they say would bring jobs and investment to the region, gets the green light.

They cited Newcastle yesterday as an example of an area which had been transformed by the arrival of a Metro system.

Their project includes plans to improve links between the Tees Valley and Newcastle and if approved by the end of next year, it could be working within a decade.

Tram-trains, quicker, quieter and more eco friendly than current public transport, would run every 15 minutes in daytime. The attempt to bring in the system has been led by Tees Valley Regeneration, with support of the Tees Valley Partnership and the area's five councils.

Chief executive of Tees Valley Regeneration Joe Docherty said the business case for the system was "unquestionable".

He said: "Transport links that unite the region and create jobs and investment are absolutely vital in ensuring that the Tees Valley reaches its full potential.

"I don't know of any area that has transformed itself that doesn't have a successful, modern public transport system - think of Newcastle, Manchester and Sheffield - and so we have spent the past two years looking at how we can make that happen here in the Tees Valley.

"The Metro would raise our national profile, encourage greater inward investment, and enhance the quality of life for everyone in the region." The Metro would run between Darlington and Saltburn, calling at all current stations and five new stops, including Durham Tees Valley Airport.

A journey from one end to the other would take 45 minutes, 11 minutes less than present trains. The project cost is estimated at £150m.

Engineers say the system would cut congestion and let more freight trains and long-distance services run through the Tees Valley.

Tees Valley Partnership chief executive John Lowther said: "This is a very important element in our overall vision of providing the Tees Valley with the fully integrated and sustainable 21st Century transport network we need to both serve the needs of our local communities and drive forward the economic regeneration of the area."