A NORTH-EAST student is to work alongside one of the country's most famous artists after being selected for a project for talented young artists in the region.

Newcastle College art and design student Richard Hay, from Wideopen, Newcastle, applied for a place on the In the Footsteps of our Angel project, alongside hundreds of other artists.

Sponsored by Excellence in Cities in conjunction with the Samling Foundation, the project is offering Richard the opportunity to participate in a masterclass with Anthony Gormley, creator of the Angel of the North.

He will also have the chance to develop his skills in intensive workshops run by professional sculptors in Kielder next year.

Richard said: "I am really pleased to be chosen for this unique opportunity and am especially looking forward to working with professional artists on a big project like this."