The North-East's writing theatre, Live Theatre, which encourages people to write and perform, has appointed two senior executives to its board.

They are JANE ROBINSON, assistant chief executive of Gateshead Council, and JOHN MOWBRAY, director of corporate affairs at Northumbrian Water.

Graeme Thompson, chairman of the board and managing director of Tyne Tees, said: "They join us at an exciting time as we embark on a major refit and expansion project."

Ms Robinson, who took up her position at Gateshead Council earlier this year, began her career with Tyne and Wear Museums, before joining Arts Council England, North East - formally Northern Arts - where she went on to become director of external relations.

During her nine years at the Arts Council, she championed the region's cultural sector and helped deliver a number of facilities, including The Sage Gateshead.

Having already helped the likes of Robson Green, Tim Healy and Billy Elliott creator Lee Hall rise to fame, Live Theatre has begun a £4.34m expansion to more than double the size of its premises in Broad Chare.