Museums in the north-east of England are to receive a financial boost as part of the government's cultural project Renaissance in the Regions.

The North East is one of three English regions chosen to take part in the first phase of the project, which will see �70m spent on regional museums over four years.

In each region there will be a lead organisation and three partners creating a "hub" for museum provision.

In the North East the government has chosen Tyne and Wear Museums as lead partner, with the Beamish Museum, the Bowes Museum and Hartlepool Museum as other members.

'Resources needed'

The "hubs" will work together to provide leadership in museum practice, and improve standards in museums, as well as improving access to art collections.

Alec Coles, director of Tyne & Wear Museums, said: "It is excellent news that the government has agreed to fund regional museums provision in this way, and has given its backing to the implementation of Renaissance in the Regions.

"Whilst we have much to be proud of when it comes to museums in the North East, we are still in desperate need of resources to ensure that we can provide a service which the people of the region deserve."