PROGRESS is being made in the bid to win World Heritage status for two North-East churches whose roots date back to the early Christian era.

A long-running campaign aims to bring the designation to the pre-medieval monasteries of St Peter's Church, in Wearmouth, Sunderland, and St Paul's, in Jarrow, South Tyneside.

They were home to the Venerable Bede (673 -735AD), who is renowned as the first English historian.

The Bishop of Jarrow, the Venerable John Pritchard, is at the forefront of efforts to persuade the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to select the twin Eighth Century churches as Britain's nomination for World Heritage status to Unesco, in 2006.

A project officer is about to be taken on to steer the bid.

The appointee will prepare a management plan to put to the DCMS and seek new project partners to join the steering group.

Funding of £105,000 has already been won over a three year span from One NorthEast and English Heritage to help cover the costs.

The bishop said: "We believe we have a very strong case, culturally and historically, because of the significance of Bede and the very rare fabric of St Peter's and St Paul's."

He believes World Heritage status could help attract up to 250,000 visitors a year to the two sites, including Bede's World Museum, which adjoins St Paul's Church.

For more information on the bid, contact 0191-491 0917.