ENTERTAINMENTS ranging from African dance to giant penguins will be in Tyne and Wear as part of May Day celebrations.

Several Metro stations, the Shields Ferry and selected healthcare buildings will host events as part of One Day on Wednesday.

Organised by Common Knowledge, a project run by the Tyne and Wear Health Action Zone, the celebration is aimed at encouraging participation in the arts to improve health.

Metro stations are displaying billboard posters by local artist Claire Satow that are inspired by quotes from patients who have taken part in arts activities.

In the past two years Common Knowledge has built up a network of about 300 people from health services, the voluntary sector and arts groups to create more than 30 pilot projects in hospitals and health centres.

They are being monitored by Durham University, which is researching the potential health benefits of the arts to patients.

One Day is supported by Northern Arts and Lloyd's pharmacy, and events will take place from 10am to 6pm at Newcastle Central Station Metro, Gateshead Interchange, Sunderland Bus Station and the Shields Ferry.