CELEBRITIES and politicians are joining forces to promote the region in a European bid.

Senior members of the team spearheading Newcastle and Gateshead's bid to become European Capital of Culture 2008 have taken the campaign to the House of Commons.

During the week, Sir Ian Wrigglesworth, chairman of the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, Councillor Tony Flynn, leader of Newcastle City Council and chairman of the North-East Assembly, and Councillor George Gill, leader of Gateshead Borough Council, will argue the area's case.

They will be joined by journalist Kate Adie, Billy Elliott author Lee Hall, opera star Sir Thomas Allen, and Michael Chaplin, creator of Grafters and Monarch of the Glen.

Sir Ian said: "This week sees the launch of a groundbreaking arts sponsorship scheme and the UK's biggest award for writers, the unveiling of a major artwork by Nexus and the launch of Riverscape, a new book charting the changing times of the Tyne.

"This is exactly the dynamic and innovative approach the Government is looking for when it decides which area will win the culture title."