TWO special guests will be dropping into a sporting event for youngsters today.

Former England and Newcastle United footballer Peter Beardsley will start activities at the Durham Sport Youth Games.

Sports Minister Richard Caborn will visit the event this afternoon.

More than 1,200 youngsters from the county will take part in the games at the Durham University Sports Complex.

This year, the games are supported by schools food provider Chartwells, the County Durham Development Company and Durham Constabulary.

The Durham Sport Partnership also received a £20,000 grant from Sport England to organise the event.

Manager Ivan Whitfield said: "We are delighted that the sports minister is visiting our youth games, and once again it will give Durham Sport an opportunity to demonstrate the massive enthusiasm and commitment to support that exists in County Durham.

"It is fantastic that 1,200 young people will all be having the opportunity to take part in sport, and we hope the day will prove successful.