THOUSANDS of youngsters across the North-East are to be offered cut-price access to museums, art galleries, and theatres in a Government bid to boost the arts.

Minister for Sport Richard Caborn was in Stockton yesterday to launch the scheme - dubbed the Passport to Culture.

Although precise details have yet to be thrashed out, ministers are hoping to clinch a series of cut price deals with attractions throughout the region.

Children will receive passport-sized discount cards that will enable them to enjoy the region's cultural attractions for a fraction of the true cost.

Concerned that today's youngsters spend too long playing video games and watching television, ministers are determined to do more for arts in the North-East. Officials are also planning to put pressure on the owners of large national and international art collections to bring them to the region.

Mr Caborn reckoned the new plan would help transform the North-East into "an invigorating and exciting region which is recognised across Europe".

Such a transformation will undoubtedly help Gateshead's bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2008. The city is already undergoing a £1bn face-lift to bolster its case, but the supporters will have to show the region as a whole has a strong cultural balance.

The Passport to Culture document has been prepared by Culture North-East, the new body set up to act as the region's champion.

Mr Caborn said: "It is a document which sets out a vision for the North-East to give everyone the opportunity to take part in all kinds of cultural and creative activity.

"The North-East already has a lot going for it, with two world heritage sites, a wealth of good quality museums, galleries, theatres and sporting venues, and an enthusiasm for fun and enjoyment that is hard to beat."

A fundamental aim of the document is to provide more opportunities for communities to take part in cultural activities by removing physical and financial barriers.

The minister also welcomed the appointment of the first cultural ambassadors for the North-East - Tanni Gray-Thompson for sport, Paul Frost (media and broadcasting) and Kirsten O'Brien (young people).

Councillor George Gill, chairman of Culture North-East said: "This region is special and we want to keep it so."

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