North East voted 'arts capital'

Sage Gateshead is a live venue and centre for music learning

NewcastleGateshead has been named arts capital of the UK, beating off competition from London and Edinburgh.

In the survey, conducted by TV channel Artsworld, it registered the highest number of arts students and second highest number of theatres per capita.

The region has undergone a cultural renaissance in recent years, with world-class arts developments including the Baltic and Sage Gateshead.

London was ninth place in the survey of 14 cities.

The survey, conducted by statistician Dr Geoff Ellis of research firm Jaywing, looked at the accessibility of the arts and the involvement of each city's population.

'Central role'

Attendance numbers at art galleries, museums and concerts, and the level of funding from Arts Council grants and local authorities was also considered.

Baltic director Peter Doroshenko said: "Culture and the arts have played a central role in transforming the image of the North East and particularly NewcastleGateshead.

"It is an incredibly exciting time to be living and working in a region which has so many opportunities to experience world-class art."

Nottingham was second in the survey, followed by Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.