THE biggest youth sporting event ever to be seen in the North-East was launched by North-East former athletics star Steve Cram.

The North-East Active Sports Talent Camp, which will involve about 1,500 youngsters from across the region, is designed to recognise and develop the next generation of world class sporting professionals.

The talent camp will take place from July 12 to 14 in venues throughout the region, and will involve 18 sports.

The future stars will enjoy two days of coaching, lifestyle management, and advice to motivate and inspire them for sporting success.

The North-East Active Sports Talent Camp, the biggest talent camp of its kind in the UK, is part of the 2002 Commonwealth Games celebrations and is one of nine throughout the country.

It is being coordinated in the North-East by the city contracting services department of Sunderland City Council on behalf of Sport England.

Cram, now a TV sports commentator, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for young people in the region.

"It is vitally important that we nurture the talent that exists and ensure that there is a network of support to help take them on to a higher level of performance.

"I am confident that there is a huge number of potential champions in the North-East who we will see winning medals in the future."

Sports involved in the North-East Active Sports Talent Camp will include athletics, basketball, girls' football, hockey, netball, rugby union, rugby league, swimming, tennis, badminton, canoeing, gymnastics, orienteering, rowing, table tennis, triathlon and volleyball.

Lottery agents Sport England has invested £3m in the development and delivery of the Active Sports Talent Camps.