North-east resort's favourite way to welcome VIP (3,6)
I believe the answer is:
red carpet
'way to welcome vip' is the definition.
(celebrities might be welcomed on a red carpet)
'north-east resort's favourite' is the wordplay.
'north-east resort' becomes 'Redcar' (Yorkshire seaside town).
'favourite' becomes 'pet' (synonyms).
'redcar'+'pet'='RED-CARPET'
(Other definitions for red carpet that I've seen before include "VIP walkway" , "It is rolled out for VIPs" , "Treatment for Royal" , "Welcoming ground cover" , "What a distinguished visitor walks on" .)