A £50,000 arts sponsorship scheme designed to boost arts participation in the region has been launched.

The Arts and Business organisation worked with Newcastle soap company Proctor and Gamble to design a discount card for the company's 2,240 staff and retirees.

The card allows a range of discounts at arts events and shows at the Newcastle Playhouse, Tyneside Cinema and Tyne and Wear Museums. The £50,000 Arts and Business award for the scheme was won against competition from other UK businesses. The year-long project starts in January.