Glass artists aiming for business success now have no need to take their talents away from the North-East thanks to nearly £150,000 of funding.

The cash will allow fledgling companies entering the market to use facilities at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland.

The centre, at Monkwearmouth, has won two European grants amounting to £148,719.

A sum of £113,719, from the European Regional Development Fund, will allow its glass studio team to offer glass manufacturers the benefits of their expertise, in the form of high quality technical know-how, advice, mentoring and guidance.

The second grant, of £35,000, has been awarded to help provide facilities for small and medium-sized enterprises trading for less than 36 months, as well as new start-ups.

It will give them use of hot and cold glassmaking equipment, start-up business "incubator" units and an information technology suite.

Jules Preston, the centre's chief executive, said: "The creative arts sector and tourism have been highlighted as important areas of potential economic development.

"With the help of European funding for these latest initiatives, the National Glass Centre is now ideally placed to promote these areas and to restore the region's position as a major leader in the glass industry."

Support will also be available from the small business service and the North-East of England Business Innovation Centre.