THE man who helped bring the Angel of the North to Gateshead has been appointed the new chairman of Northern Arts and the North-East's voice on the London-based Arts Council.

Paul Collard, a father-of-four from Barrasford, near Hexham, is head of programme development for the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative which is attempting to win the European City of Culture 2008 title.

This follows his return from the US last year where he organised a high-profile festival for arts and ideas in New Haven, Connecticut, which was linked to Yale University.

He said: "The first time I was in the region, I was asked what did culture have to do with the North-East' When I came back in 2000, nobody asked me that question.

"The Angel has completely repositioned the way that people in the North thought about themselves. The pride they now have isn't because they've suddenly become terribly fond of neo-brutalist, steel sculptures they know it symbolises a region at the cutting edge with a future."

Mr Collard, who once organised conferences for the Aga Khan, is confident that the arts vibrancy of the region will support his role in London and ensure the Tyneside City of Culture bid is ultimately successful next year.

Andrew Dixon, regional executive director, Northern Arts, said; "Paul Collard is a great champion for the arts and the northern region. His appointment will be widely welcomed by artists and arts organisations in the region."

"His ideas, energy, knowledge and contacts will ensure the new-look Northern Arts regional council will be recruited comprising six local authority members and eight people from the arts, education and business".

* Antony Gormley, the sculptor who created The Angel of the North, is backing a national campaign aimed at getting artists into schools this summer.

The Big Arts Week takes place from June 15-22. "Artists of every kind are being asked to spend just an hour or more working with children and young people in schools," said Mr Gormley.

In the North-East, there are 145 schools wanting to take part.

Singers, painters, musicians, illustrators, poets, architects, actors, dancers, designers, stage managers, writers, producers and directors can become involved by ringing 0845 601 4008.

They can also register on the web site www.bigartsweek.com.