19 August 2012 Last updated at 10:23 ET

River Tyne crane landmark given overhaul

It is expected the revamped crane will attract more investment

A crane which has played a key part in the River Tyne's shipbuilding heritage has been revamped.

The 1930 hammerhead crane at Newcastle's Walker Quay worked on vessels including the Ark Royal and HMS Illustrious.

The refurbishment has included increasing its load capacity so it will be able to lift heavier loads.

Newcastle City Council said it would help to bring in more orders for engineering firms.

It said it was hoped the refurbishment would attract a wider range of offshore energy customers to the region and would play a key part in the drive to attract investment from the alternative energy, oil and gas industries.

Newcastle City Council Leader Nick Forbes said: "We are playing an active role in enhancing economic activity on the Tyne, using our resources to support private and public partners in driving forward development and creating jobs."

The council said the crane revamp was important in securing a £30m investment from steel wire rope manufacturer Bridon International which has a facility at Neptune Quay.