Clugston Construction, which operates locally from offices at Koppers Way, Monkton Business Park in Hebburn, is one of the few regional companies to reach the final stages of the super framework for contractors, as part of the Partnerships for Schools programme.

The national rebuilding initiative, delivered as Building Schools for the Future, has seen new build schemes launched recently at Jarrow School and St Joseph's RC Comprehensive, Hebburn.

Clugston is one of 14 contractors nationally bidding for part of the massive schools' contract.

Company managing director Steve Radcliffe said: "We are delighted to have secured a place on the highly contested tender list for the northern and Midlands framework.

"It is refreshing that, unlike some other central government departments, Partnerships for Schools have listened to and recognised the part regional contractors can play in delivering frameworks of this nature, which all too often have been dominated by the giants of the industry, with regional organisations restricted to supply chain roles.

"Through our local knowledge and commitment to developing skills in the communities in which we live and work, we do add real value to local authorities, demonstrated by the recent successful school projects Clugston has completed in York and Grimsby."

Over the coming months, Clugston, which also has offices in Washington, Leeds and Scunthorpe, will be working with its local supply chain, putting together detailed proposals in order to secure a place on the final framework.

Partnership for Schools chief executive Tim Byles said: "The interest in the new contractors' framework from large and medium-sized companies across the country demonstrates how all sectors of the construction industry see this as a great opportunity, particularly at a time when times are challenging."

Clugston Construction is part of the privately owned Clugston Group Ltd, a £120m turnover company which specialises in construction, distribution services, property development and facilities management.