The Newcastle Quayside is close to the business sector

The reputation that Newcastle has earned as a "party city" could be putting off companies from coming to the region, according to a business group.

The claim comes from Service Network, an organisation that helps professional service companies in the north-east of England to win more business.

It represents businesses such as lawyers, solicitors and bankers, and says the emphasis on leisure in Newcastle has gone too far, and is costing the region jobs and lucrative contracts.

They say the damaging perception has come about because the Quayside, with its many bars and clubs, is so central to the city.

The organisation says the problem has been avoided in other party cities, like Dublin, because revelry takes place well away from the business area.

Service Network also claims that graduates are not staying to work in the city.

They view their university city as a place to have a good time, not to develop a career.