A SENIOR manager at a London arts and entertainment centre is to return to the North-East to take over the running of the National Glass Centre.

Vicky Nicholls, brought up on Teesside, is head of marketing and development for the company managing the Fairfield Centre, in Croydon, Surrey.

Ms Nicholls, with more than 20 years' experience in the arts and entertainment field, becomes the fifth chief, or acting chief executive, in the National Glass Centre's short history at Sunderland.

Centre chairman Professor Peter Fidler welcomed the appointment.

"I'm really delighted that Vicky is joining us and returning to her home region.

"She brings with her huge experience of business development, marketing and management of important arts venues and attractions."

Ms Nicholls is part of a senior management team which has steered the Fairfield Centre, including a theatre, concert hall and gallery, to financial success during the past decade.

She graduated from Newcastle Polytechnic with a degree in combined studies, creative and performing arts, in 1982. Since then she has worked in the arts and entertainment business, mainly in theatre marketing.

She said: "I believe the National Glass Centre has huge potential.

"I'll be working hard to confirm its identity as an outstanding visitor attraction, promoting the beauty and everyday use of glass, but also to confirm the importance of its connection to the history and future development of Sunderland."

She takes up her appointment in May, when interim chief Jules Preston stands down.