THE North-East is to host some of the UK's most innovative young designers this weekend.

The Audi Young Designer of the Year 2004 national finals take place at Gateshead's Baltic complex on Saturday.

The event, now in its third year and in association with One NorthEast, Knowledge Campus, TDR and Virdev, will showcase a range of designs from young people across the country.

Twenty finalists have been shortlisted from 622 entries, including a number of designers from this region.

Former Red or Dead fashion guru Wayne Hemingway, who turned his hand to creating housing developments, will be partly responsible for picking the overall winner.

He said: "Student design competitions are very important as they help to prepare young designers for that tough world out there."

The ultimate winner - the Audi Young Designer of the Year - will receive £10,000 towards university fees plus a £500 annual bursary while studying at university; paid work experience at a leading design company in the UK or US; and a potential job offer on completion of a degree.

In addition the teacher of the Audi Young Designer will receive £1,000.

Entries will remain on public display at the Baltic for a week.

Local schools have then been invited to attend a masterclass on Monday with concept artist Dan Walker, who is responsible for a 21st Century revamp of Doctor Who's famous Tardis.