NEWPORT could get a touch of glamour by naming its new arts centre the Richard Burton Theatre and Arts Centre, a councillor says.

Because the world- renowned actor and ex-husband of Liz Taylor shares his name with an 18th century Newport customs and excise officer after whom a councillor says the new arts centre should be named.

Councillor Les Knight, of Allt-Yr-Yn, made the connection while reading up on the history of the River Usk, and wants the council to scrap its list of ten potential names in favour of Richard Burton.

He said: "I thought the names suggested by the council were very boring.

"Richard Burton would have both historical and showbiz connotations. Would it matter if the public confused the two men? Otherwise we might as well call it the ABC or the Roxy.

"If the council went with this name then perhaps Liz Taylor could come and open it."

The council asked the public for suggestions for the best name for the £15.5m centre. They then selected ten options and put it to a public vote again. The result is expected soon.

Councillor Knight, 73, a customer manager for a car dealership, said: "A lot of people don't know the historical nature of the river but it used to be the centre of the universe for Newport.

"Between about 1760 and 1790 there was a fellow called Richard Burton who was an excise officer based at the Moderator Wharf, where the arts centre is now being built.

"It was his job to make sure we weren't importing too much and that duties were being paid."

The 'other' Richard Burton became Elizabeth Taylor's fifth husband in 1964, though the couple split in 1976. Burton, who starred in many films, including Cleopatra, Where Eagles Dare and Brief Encounter, was born in Pontryhdyfen, Wales, and died in 1984.

* ANYONE looking to help name Newport theatre and arts centre can email their vote to theatreandartscentre@newport.gov.uk. Or write to Newport City Council, FREEPOST SWC2740, Arts Development Team, Newport, NP20 4ZZ.

The shortlist of names chosen by the public is: Bridge Theatre, Castle Wharf, Crystal Wharf, Moderator Wharf, The Quays, The Riverfront, Cinderhill Wharf, The Waterfront, The Waterside, and The Prince of Wales.