A GEORDIE author has vowed to represent his home territory at a summit of Newcastles from around the world.
Representatives of more than 50 towns and cities called Newcastle will gather next month in Newcastle, South Africa.
Newcastle-under-Lyme, in Staffordshire, is sending a group funded by the local council, but on Tyneside, Newcastle City Council confirmed it would not attend.
Author John Nicolaou, who wrote the book, Newcastles of the World United, has promised to pay his fare to South Africa to make sure his city does not miss out.
Mr Nicolaou, who lives on Newcastle Quayside, said: "I am very disappointed that Newcastle City Council is not sending anyone, but I am not prepared to call it a day."
A council spokesman said: "The council has decided that for financial and strategic reasons, we would not be able to send a delegation.
"However, we have offered organisers a video-link with the Lord Mayor of Newcastle and wish them well."
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