MANUFACTURING remains vital to the region's economy, according to a new report.

The sector accounts for 14.6 per cent of output in Yorkshire and the Humber – compared to a national average of just under ten per cent.

The report, produced by manufacturers' organisation Make UK and accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP, analyses the overall status of industry regionally in the past 12 months.

Food and drink accounts for almost a fifth of manufacturing output in Yorkshire and the Humber, with the region benefitting "significantly" from the reopening of hospitality. This is followed by metal products, largely steel, which accounts for 16 per cent of output.

Dawn Huntrod, for Make UK, said: "Manufacturing remains a key component of the Yorkshire and Humber economy."