A STREAKER who gatecrashed the Turner Prize when it was staged in the North-East will appear before magistrates today.

Mark Roberts ran on stage wearing little more than a pink tutu and thong just as photographer Mario Testino was about to announce Turner winner Martin Boyce's name live on television.

The 47-year-old performance artist, of Fairfield, Liverpool, was bundled to the floor by security guards and dragged from the ceremony as the crowd watched open mouthed.

He was arrested and has been charged with disorderly conduct at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead, on December 5.

Mr Roberts, who will appear at Gateshead Magistrates Court, has yet to enter a plea.