Museum chief's world mission

The man who brought China's terracotta warriors to London is to be made Britain's first cultural ambassador.

Neil MacGregor, 61, the director of the British Museum, will control a budget of £3 million to increase the profile of the nation's galleries and museums around the world.

British art experts will visit their overseas counterparts as part of the World Collections project and offer advice on the latest display and preservation techniques.

The Government believes the project can be used to forge links with countries where political relations are strained - Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan are likely to be involved. British experts are expected to fly out to Sudan as well to help archaeologists from Khartoum exhibit pottery and fabrics from the upper Nile region.

Mr MacGregor said: "Museums can reach very large numbers and the contacts go on despite political ups and downs."