"We are delighted to be supporting the UK School Games for 2010.

"It is fantastic that the region is the Games which will provide talented young sports people from the UK with the opportunity to compete in a major event in the run up to the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

"The event will showcase the best sports facilities in the region and demonstrates that we have the capability and infrastructure to host such prestigious, world-class sporting events."

Chris Little, Tourism and Culture Investment Manager at One North East