Local entrepreneurs featured in the advert as part of the Go Wansbeck campaign to boost business and encourage people to make their communities more enterprising.

Earlier this year Wansbeck secured £11.8m from the Government's Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) to aid the economic regeneration.

A key part of the bid was to encourage more people to think about going into business on their own and becoming their own bosses – something which is being addressed in the campaign.

Portfolio holder for regeneration Coun Alan Stewart said the TV advert is part of a wider campaign to promote the district.

"Overall the campaign seeks to engender a 'feel good factor' about living, working and running a business in Wansbeck, building local pride and creating a positive impression on people further afield on what the district has to offer," he said.

"Members are well aware of the significant and transformational plans that are ongoing around the District but often these developments have lacked a coherent message that 'Wansbeck really is moving forward and changing for the better'."

The advert, which was shown during the break in Coronation Street at around 7.45pm, is the first time Wansbeck has featured in a televised campaign.

Carolyn Metcalfe from MTR said the advert which was set entirely on location in Wansbeck using local people as case studies, is part of a wider promotion and PR campaign designed to showcase the successes of local people starting up in business.

"This campaign will highlight the opportunities available to people and businesses locally to realise their potential with the support of LEGI funded and other mainstream services," she said.

"It will help promote awareness of LEGI funded activity as well as positively influencing the perceptions of public and private sector opinion formers and regional business support organisations regarding Wansbeck as an attractive business location."

The campaign will use a range of media including television, billboards and press advertisements.

Council leader John Devon said the advert was a step in the right direction for encouraging entrepreneurs.

"We should be proud of what the young people are doing in this district.

"We do have some very successful entrepreneurs in the district and there are a lot of people doing good things but they just don't often come into focus.

"We are moving in the right direction and we must remain focused on moving forward."