ONE of the North-East's most ambitious cultural programmes has been awarded a £2m boost from the Northern Rock Foundation.

It is the first funding to be generated by the campaign to meet Culture10's £140m target.

The announcement was made during a Culture10 briefing to supporters in London and regional MPs at the House of Commons.

The Culture10 programme has already attracted £51m of financial commitment from regional partners, including Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council, regional development agency One NorthEast and Arts Council England, North East

Between now and 2010 it will bring a series of events, exhibitions, commissions and festivals to the area.

Culture10 will build on the legacy created by NewcastleGateshead's joint bid to become European Capital of Culture 2008.