FORMER Tory leader William Hague will be one of the first people on stage after the relaunch of Richmond's Georgian Theatre Royal next month.

But the town's MP won't be treading the boards in an acting role. Mr Hague is supporting an event to highlight sources of income available to inventors, entrepreneurs, businesses and artists.

Representatives of groups which make awards will also be at the seminar, which starts at 10am on Friday, September 5.

Speakers are expected from The National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (Nesta), York and North Yorkshire Business Link, the Arts Council and the Yorkshire Association for Business Angels.

Grants and awards can range from £5,000 to £100,000, and the aim is for people to meet potential backers and have their questions answered.

Mr Hague said: "With North Yorkshire and the Humber having the second lowest business birth rate among the nine English regions, we need to develop the talent and entrepreneurial spirit of the region."

"The flair and ability is here but we need to ensure the financial support is available to back it.

"Many of the best ideas founder and fail when the obstacles to success seem insurmountable. Bringing the people with the idea together with the people who can provide the investment and the support is an important step to overcoming these barriers.

Nesta spokeswoman Ruth Turner said: "This is a chance for artists, scientists, small business people and those with money to invest to get together.

"We believe in backing talented people who are taking a risk and have a lot to offer."