AN artist whose works hark back to the innovators of 20th century Modernism has won the prestigious Turner Prize at Gateshead's Baltic Arts Centre.

Martin Boyce, 44, scooped the £25,000 first prize announced live on Channel 4, beating what critics felt was the strongest shortlist for many years.

Held at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead, it was the first time in the prize's 27-year history that it had been presented at a non-Tate venue and only the second time it had been held outside London.

Glasgow-based Boyce was presented with his prize by the celebrated photographer Mario Testino.

Six years ago Boyce was inspired by seeing Modernist concrete trees created back in 1925.

His entry, likened to an indoor park complete with paper leaves, combined interior design and high modernism and was the bookmakers favourite to win.

Judges applauded his pioneering contribution to the current interest which contemporary artists have in historic modernism, while continuing to develop and find new directions within the same vocabulary.

Shortlisted entrants Karla Black, Hilary Lloyd and George Shaw won £5,000 each.