HISTORY is being brought alive thanks to research in the North-East.

Staff at the University of Teesside's Virtual Reality Centre have been working with museums on projects which recreate everything from Saxon villages to warrior tribesmen.

A team from the cultural and creative industries department is working on a virtual Domesday Book to chronicle the history of the region.

The initiative has been cited in the North-East's bid to become Capital of Culture 2008. The Newcastle and Gateshead initiative, which is leading the bid, said the scheme was an excellent example of how arts and technology can combine to boost the economy.

Paul Collard, head of programme development for the 2008 bid, said: "The North-East has produced some of the world's greatest innovators throughout history.

"It is great that this new generation of innovators are able to bring our history to life and contribute to the cultural regeneration of the region."

One of the newest projects at the Virtual Reality Centre, in Middlesbrough, is in conjunction with the Captain Cook Museum, in the town's Stewart Park, which is dedicated to the local-born explorer.

The centre has been asked to develop a Maori warrior to be shown on screen.

Greg Stone, of the centre, said: "The idea is that you are in Captain Cook's shoes, that you feel you are there, that you step off the boat and are confronted by this Maori warrior who is in your face, waving his spear."

Other projects developed for museums have included a 15th Century fighting figure for the Royal Armouries, in Leeds, and figures to teach children about the Roman occupation of Britain.

The centre has been working with museums in the North-East to recreate their artefacts, allowing visitors to explore them on-line without touching what are often delicate pieces.

Centre director Janice Webster said: "These projects are designed to engage the imagination of museum staff, to encourage a sense of enterprise in bringing history alive."

If the region wins Capital of Culture 2008 status, it is expected to attract large-scale investment.

Ms Webster said: "It will help to make the world wake up to what is happening here."