Research is being carried out in the North East to try to produce the world's fastest and most reliable microchip.

North Tyneside-based electronics firm Atmel said joint research it was carrying out with Newcastle University could put Tyneside at the forefront of microchip technology.

This will be done by using a new material called germanium, as well as traditional silicon.

If it proves successful the two organisations will share any profits.

Atmel already makes silicon chips for games consoles - such as the Microsoft X-box, and for smart cards.

They now hope the work they will carry out with five researchers from the university will result in the world's fastest chips, which will also be cheaper and more reliable.