A five-year plan to stimulate the economy in north-east Scotland will be unveiled by a partnership of public and private sector organisations today.

The Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future plan aims to provide an annual economic growth of 2.5% in the five years to 2018, and to secure thousands of jobs by boosting the region's energy, life sciences, tourism and food and drink industries.

The forum said the plan centres on delivering better integrated transport and digital connectivity; attracting and developing skills; regenerating the city centre; increasing the promotion and profile of the region; and anchoring an international energy industry.

Its chairman Tom Smith said the first five-year plan, launched in 2008, had delivered progress despite challenging economic conditions.

He said: "Almost £1 billion of the planned £1.5bn of new investment in a variety of projects and developments is under way."