A new regional website focusing on culture in the North of England has been set up by a former Times journalist.

Helen Nugent has founded Northern Soul which highlights cultural events like theatre, literature, music, restaurants and shops across the North, although it is initially focused on Greater Manchester area.

Helen used to work for The Times in London and has written for a host of national newspapers during her career, while she also runs her own media training and consultancy firm.

Northern Soul will feature writing from a host of contributors including Helen Carter, a former northern correspondent at the Guardian and Drew Savage, a broadcaster for BBC Sport.

The website describes itself as “a celebration of all things Northern” where people can find out about culture and days out.

It says: “Northern Soul is not a listings site. It is not an exhaustive guide. Plenty of those exist already. This website is a collection of really good stuff to do North of the Watford Gap.”