THE success of Newcastle and Gateshead's bid to become European Capital of Culture could see 13,000 jobs created across the region.

Research by Price WaterhouseCooper showed that up to four million visitors would flock to the North-East, bringing £640m to the region, if the bid was successful.

The colossal impact would be felt at tourist spots from Berwick, at the Scottish border, to North Yorkshire.

Sir Ian Wriggleworth, chairman of the Newcastle-Gates-head initiative, told members of the North-East Assembly yesterday that just being in the competition would bring "substantial benefits".

But he said the bid was not simply about high culture.

"This is as much about leeks and whippets and people culture as it is about concerts and ballet," he said.

"It is the culture of the region we want to celebrate."

Newcastle and Gateshead have many cultural advantages and the new Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and Music on the Quayside is expected to enhance its international reputation further.

Among those competing for the title are Belfast, Bradford, Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol, Oxford and Norwich.