Tyneside's bid to be named European Capital of Culture has been boosted by a world-renowned arts organisation's decision to hold its annual conference in the area.

The New York-based International Society of Performing Arts (ISPA) will hold its 2003 gathering at the Sage Music Centre.

Backers of the Newcastle and Gateshead bid beat off Brussels and Copenhagen to host the prestigious event.

The news came on the same day celebrities from the north-east of England joined politicians and business leaders at an event at Westminster to promote Tyneside's bid.

'Fantastic opportunity'

Sir Ian Wrigglesworth, chairman of the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative described the ISPA decision to come to Tyneside as a "world beater".

He said: "We have managed to win a competitive battle to bring the annual conference of the ISPA to Tyneside.

"This is at the core of what the bid is about - getting business for Tyneside, which creates wealth and jobs.

"The conference will have people from all over the world looking at what Tyneside has to offer.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for us."

In November it was announced that the Tall Ships Race is to make a return to the River Tyne.

Organisers hope the 2005 event will bring in millions of pounds to the local economy.