Last year, North Tyneside Council spent £5,384 on two international trips but say it was value for money as a result of the successful outcomes.

Officers visited Rotterdam in Holland at the invitation of a major Dutch company who has recently bought a key business in Wallsend.

Speaking at a recent full council meeting, Coun Frank Lott, cabinet member for economic development, said: "We hope that building a relationship with this firm will safeguard or even increase the number of jobs in our borough.

"It is vital for the future of our borough that council officers work to encourage private sector businesses elsewhere in Europe, and indeed the wider world, to create jobs in North Tyneside.

"We also need to work closely with the European Union in maximising the opportunities for grants in the borough."

In 2006-07, the council spent £6,200 on two visits to France and a visit to Spain, but there was no expenditure on international travel during 2005-06.

Coun Lott said the trip to Spain was by social workers with the police to rescue a child.

Council officers have also visited France for the Marche' International des Professionels d'Immobilier (MIBM) – Europe's largest development/property 'show' – to make new contacts and promote North Tyneside.

Coun Lott said the event was a success as it enabled the council to raise the profile of the North Bank of the Tyne and meet potential developers.