The controversial and topical theory of creationism will be discussed in the region next week.

Author and scientist Professor Jack Cohen will consider whether life evolved through natural selection or whether there must be a guiding hand in evolution, a so-called intelligent designer.

His talk, which is part of a series of lectures at the Centre for Life in Newcastle, takes place against a rising tide of creationism in the United States which has alarmed some UK scientists.

Here in the North-East there has been controversy about schools funded by prominent North-East businessman Sir Peter Vardy.

The Vardy Foundation runs two Christian-based schools in the North-East, the Emmanuel College, in Gateshead and the Kings Academy in Middlesbrough.

While pupils at these schools are taught evolution they are also taught about the theory of creationism.

Prof Cohen, a reproductive biologist from Warwick University and visiting professor at Durham University, is author of a number of books, including The Privileged Ape, The Collapse of Chaos and Figments of Reality.

Linda Conlon, director at the Centre for Life, said: The subject of our evolution is an emotive subject. In fact, only recently, research carried out for the BBCs Horizon programme revealed that more than half the British population does not accept the theory of evolution. With this in mind, I am sure Prof Cohens lecture will be a lively event.

The lecture will take place at the Centre for Lifes Scotswood Suite at 6pm on Thursday February 16. Doors will open at 5.15pm.

Parking is available in the nearby Times Square multi-storey car park.