MORE than £375m of European funding has been invested in the region over two years, leading to £750m- worth of cash for projects.

Regeneration body the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) outlined the benefits the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) has brought at a showcase in Liverpool’s ECHO Arena and BT Convention Centre.

The event explained that the European funding has helped drive 101 projects over two years, which, when completed, will create 5,790 businesses and 39,082 jobs and safeguard 22,684 jobs.

A £3m grant towards an £8m improvement programme for Liverpool’s Lime Street station was the first project in September 2008 linked to the current funding drive.

The soon to open Women’s International Centre for Economic Development in the city’s Baltic Triangle is among other recipients.

Mark Hughes, acting NWDA chief executive, said: “ERDF has already made a significant impact to the regional economy over the past two years.

“There are a number of projects which will help to make a real difference to the competitiveness and growth of the region, now and in the years ahead, not least through underpinning private sector confidence in the North West as a place to invest.”