A SCHEME to make the British Library's collections more accessible to users in the North-East has been launched.

The Reaching the Regions initiative is being backed by the North-East Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (Nemlac).

The region is the first to participate in the scheme, which is funding the appointment of Nicola Bell as project officer.

She will spend the coming months gathering proposals for activities with a wide range of partners in the North-East to work with the British Library.

Sue Underwood, the chief executive of Nemlac, said: "For our North-East users, this initiative from the British Library will enrich their local facilities.

"As the first region within the British Library's reach, we shall enjoy the opportunity to innovate in partnership in the way we serve our public."

Hazel Dakers, the Reaching the Regions programme manager, said: "This is a rare opportunity to invest modest sums to reach new users of the British Library in the North-East.

"By bringing partners together, we can serve the public of this region far better than we have managed before."