TWO North-East theatres have been nominated for national awards.

Darlington's Civic Theatre and Newcastle Playhouse-based Northern Stage have been shortlisted for three Barclays Theatre Awards, due to announced on October 21.

The Civic has earned itself a place in the top three as the UK's most welcoming theatre.

Northern Stage, which recently celebrated major Arts Council backing, is in line for the theatre of the year prize, and artistic director Alan Lyddiard has been put forward as best director for last year's production, The Ballroom Of Romance.

Northern Stage has presented two of the works shortlisted as best touring production. Robert Lepage's The Far Side Of The Moon received its national premiere at the Playhouse in April and Grid Iron's Decky Does a Bronco was performed at Nunsmoor Park, Fenham, in June, as part of the company's summer programme.

Mr Lyddiard said: "We are delighted to have been nominated for two such prestigious awards. Newcastle and the North-East boasts a wealth of creative talent and these nominations are a reflection of this."