A MOTORSPORT event is moving to the North-East - bringing a £1m boost to the local economy.

Tens of thousands of people from all over the country are expected to flock to the North next year for the 2002 Pirelli International Rally.

The event, the second round of the British Rally Championship, will start and finish at Gateshead International Stadium, with a spectator stage at Watergate Park, an 85-acre converted colliery site, and others in Kielder Forest, Northumberland.

The move marks a break with tradition. The event has been held for more than 20 years in Carlisle, the UK home of Italian tyre manufacturer Pirelli.

But it has grown so big, the decision was taken to move to Gateshead, where the infrastructure of nearby airport, good roads and hotels can support the event.

The British Championship is ranked second to the World Rally Championship in terms of prestige, and the Pirelli extravaganza is one of the best-known legs.

Motorsport events coordinator Martin Pallot said: "It's going to be absolutely mega. It will provide the people of the North-East with the chance to see the most advanced rally machinery in full flight."

There are also plans to involve children in the event - 2,500 free tickets will be given to schools in a bid to create interest in the sport.

Gateshead Borough Council's deputy leader, Mick Henry, said: "This is a superb opportunity for the people of the North-East to experience quality international motorsport right on their doorstep."

The rally is expected to boost Gateshead's chances as it submits a bid to become 2008 Regional Capital of Culture.

A maximum of 180 competitors from all over the world will tackle 130 miles of stages. These will comprise a dozen stages of 12 to 20 miles and a spectator stage At Watergate Park.

Six classes of cars will take part, ranging from 370bhp works machines, which cost up to £700,000, to 70bhp cars prepared by amateurs.

The rally will start on Friday, April 26, with the stages being run on the Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, visit the website at www.pirelliinternationalrally.co.uk.