MEN Behaving Badly star Neil Morrissey is to host an event which will honour the region's creative and artistic talent.

The Creative North East Awards are due to take place at the contemporary art factory, at Gateshead's Baltic, on September 13. The night will also raise funds for the international charity, No Strings, which has recently opened an office in the North-East.

People can vote to select the best public art, the best new architectural construction and the most creative use of public space on a website. The voting goes live today at www.creativenortheast.co.uk

Other categories include the most creative approach to service, emerging artist of the year, best new writer, best performance piece and best music.

A shortlist will be drawn up and go before a panel of judges.

Neil and Harrogate actor Hugo Speer - best known for his roles in The Full Monty and TV's Sons and Lovers - are both patrons of No Strings, which uses puppets to educate children about social issues.

Hugo said: "The people of the North-East have been great supporters of No Strings since we opened an office in the region and I'm sure they'll want to come along and be part of this event."

Funds raised on the night will be used to spearhead projects in the North-East and abroad.

Regional sponsors include One NorthEast, Dickinson Dees, OneWorld Productions and Barker and Stonehouse.

An auction will also be held on the night and the ceremony will be followed by a party at the Copthorne Hotel, on Newcastle's Quayside.

Tickets for the Baltic event are £40, and tickets for the party only are £10. for bookings call 0191-261 9824.