A NEW research centre is being set up to explore the history of the North-East.

The Centre for North-East England History, in Durham City, will look at what makes the North-East a region, how history has shaped its landscapes, towns and occupants, and how its vibrant culture is a reflection of its past.

The project is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Board, and will allow the universities of the North-East to undertake a five-year research programme, in collaboration with the Open University and Beamish Museum.

The centre will examine the region right up to the present to find out what formed it, what distinguishes it and how it characterises itself.

Five full-time researchers will pursue themes covering Time, Space and Boundaries; Peoples and Migrations; Power, Politics and Religion; Culture, Leisure and Associational Life and External Relations.

Their research will involve a variety of records and artefacts, ranging from the middle ages to the present.

Professor David Rollason, director, said yesterday: "The centre aims to give an insight into the North-East of England in terms of its local, national and international development, its contacts and influences.

"We will be producing papers and publications as the work advances, and we are planning a series of public events, lectures and seminars to disseminate the findings and to stimulate new ideas for research."

The Centre for North-East England History will be launched on Thursday, May 10, at St John's College, Durham City.