Sage Gateshead's Northern Sinfonia granted royal title

Royal Northern Sinfonia, founded in 1958, is based at the Sage Gateshead

An acclaimed orchestra in the north east of England has been granted a royal appointment.

The Queen has bestowed the title "Royal" on Northern Sinfonia, the first such title to be awarded in more than 20 years.

Based at the Sage Gateshead, it was founded in 1958, and is the UK's only full-time professional chamber orchestra.

Its leader Bradley Creswick described its 37 musicians as "overwhelmed".

Mr Creswick added: "This is no doubt one of the proudest days in the history of the orchestra.

"It's a beautiful thing for it to be said 'We value you, and the region and nation values you', and we trust our loyal audience will be just as proud because this is as much for them as it is for us."

Nigel Sherlock, the Lord Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear, said: "This honour is a well deserved recognition of the international quality of this orchestra.

"It is long regarded as a great asset to this region and now recognised rightly for its contribution to this country's musical life."