Cutting edge plug-in charging points will be installed in Hartlepool after the North-East was named as one of only three areas in the country to trial the latest technology.

The £7.8m Plugged-In Places initiative is being spearheaded locally by regional development agency One North East and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles.

Hartlepool is set to get four of the plug-in points to begin with after Hartlepool Borough Council pledged £20,000.

Although the final locations are yet to be decided one is planned to be at the new transport interchange in Church Square.

Another is earmarked for the multi-storey car park at the town's Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.

Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond has backed the scheme and said it is important Hartlepool is at the forefront of new technology.

He said: "I think there is probably some way to go with the technology of electric cars.

"But if they are going to become more popular then I think we need to be ahead of the game.

"If you are just driving around the town they are ideal.

"They are excellent for the environment and I hope these electric charge points may encourage a few more people to use electric cars."

Councillor Peter Jackson, the council's cabinet member for transport and neighbourhoods, added: "We fully support the development of low carbon technology and the council is investing £20,000 to ensure that we are part of this major new initiative.

"It sends out a clear message that Hartlepool is committed to a greener future."

The North-East has been chosen as one of three areas nationally to trial the scheme along with London and Milton Keynes.

A total of 1,300 charging points will be rolled out across the region over the next three years after all 12 local authorities and business pledged more than £1m towards the green technology.

Alan Clarke, chief executive of regional development agency One North East, said: "The backing we have received from regional partners shows just how much enthusiasm there is in our region to grasp the opportunities available in the low carbon sector."

From January 2011, the Government is to introduce grants of up to £5,000 to buyers of hybrid or electric cars to boost take up.

Stockton and County Durham will also be getting the charge points.