A North-East 'crystal tsar' has been appointed to oversee development and funding opportunities for the region's glass artists and businesses.
Anne Tye has been named the first glass cluster development officer to provide a direct link between funding bodies and companies and artists in the field.
She will work with a range of organisations, including Northern Arts, Sunderland University and the National Glass Centre.
Anne, from Houghton-le-Spring, on Wearside, said she hopes to discover the needs of creative glass companies and find what can be done to help them survive and grow.
Anne will promote the area's glass products at home and abroad, while also encouraging companies to find new markets.
She has spent 12 years running a successful glass studio with her husband, Roger, and in her new job she will be based with Sunderland City Council's economic development team.
She can be contacted on 0191-553 1219
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