NORTH-EAST rock ‘legend’ Brian Johnson is to play a prominent role supporting a new regional children’s charity.

The Tyneside-born AC/DC front man has been announced as the first patron of the Graham Wylie Foundation.

He was said to be delighted to take up the role when asked to officially support the foundation by founder Graham Wylie, one of the region’s best-known entrepreneurs and philanthropists.

His new foundation has a Rock n Raise arm, specifically to raise funds for a music therapy centre in Newcastle, the first of its kind outside of London.

The larger than life Geordie rock singer, who has, himself, set up a similar venture in the United States, said: "I'm very proud and privileged to be the first patron of the foundation.

“I strongly believe in the power of music to help children and adults through the tough times of ill health.

“The Brian Johnson Music Therapy Room in Sarasota, Florida, is flourishing and the results are wonderful, but now to be asked to be involved in something from my hometown makes me very proud.

“Let's make this work.”

The foundation aims to help, inspire and educate vulnerable and underprivileged children across the North-East.

Its first major fundraising event will be Run, Rock n Raise, which is billed as the Great North Run’s official ‘after party’.

The bill features the Kaiser Chiefs, Kodaline and Lisbon at the event, taking place at the Metro Radio Arena, in Newcastle, on the evening of Great North Run day, Sunday September 11.

Tickets, costing £25 and £35, are available from the arena box office in person, at www.metroradioarena.co.uk/events/run-rock-n-raise-making-every-note-count/ or via the booking hotline number 0844-493 6666.