A 200-strong delegation from the East of England's energy industry will head to Westminster this month to reinforce to politicians the region's importance to the sector and the UK economy.

The East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) will put the case for Offshore Wind Sector Deal for the region's industry, education and research and development facilities.

It also wants the East to be recognised as a centre of excellence in shallow water late life and decommissioning.

EEEGR chief executive Simon Gray said: "The contribution of the East of England's energy industry can never be underestimated. All the major energy sources are here - oil & gas, offshore wind and nuclear. Our region is leading the way in the country's transition to a low-carbon economy.

"Key representatives from the main operators in each sector will be present at the event. Our members say every year what a valuable reception it is for relationship building."

The event at the House of Commons on October 30 has been organised at the invitation of Waveney MP Peter Aldous, who is xhairman of the British offshore oil and gas industry all-party parliamentary group.

Chris Claydon, chief executive of the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), will be speaking about how the skills shortages in the industry can be addressed.

Claire Perry, minister of state at the department for business, energy and industrial strategy (BEIS), has also been invited to address delegates.

Mr Gray said the region was seeing projects across oil and gas, offshore wind and nuclear moving ahead.

Swedish energy group Vattenfall has announced its intention to locate its operations base for the Norfolk Vanguard and Boreas projects at Great Yarmouth port.

There has also been an agreement for a new operations and maintenance base at Harwich port for the Galloper wind farm, and the Crown Estate announced approvals for a number of extensions on existing wind farms in the region, including Sheringham Shoal, Dudgeon, Great Gabbard and Galloper.

ScottishPower Renewables' East Anglia One is now in construction, East Anglia Three was recently granted consent by the planning inspectorate and proposals for the remaining projects are still in development.