A first step in giving people across the region greater access to more cultural experiences has been announced.

Culture minister Richard Caborn was on Teesside today to officially launch the cultural strategy for the North-East. The document sets out a framework to help the region capitalise on its cultural assets and help achieve a vision of transforming the North-East into 'an invigorating and exciting region which is recognised across Europe.'

This will include giving every child a 'passport to culture' and attempting to get some of the best national and international art collections staying in the region for longer and more often then at present.

The blueprint has been prepared by Culture North-East, the new body set up to act as the champion and voice for the cultural sector.

Mr Caborn, Minister for Sport, 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."

The minister also announced the appointment of the first cultural ambassadors for the North-East whose job is to share the vision of the cultural strategy and to promote the region as a great place to live, learn and work. They are Tanni Gray-Thompson for sport, Paul Frost for media and broadcasting and Kirsten O'Brien for young people.

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

It also suggests starting with the youngest members of the community putting creativity at the heart of learning and carry this theme forward to foster a culture of lifelong learning with the use of passports to culture.

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

Updated: 15.50, Wednesday, July 11.