THOUSANDS of young people will converge on Gateshead to take part in the third Tyne and Wear Youth Games.

More than 1,300 youngsters, aged between eight and 16, have competed in a series of area heats to win places at the youth games final, which will be held at four venues throughout Gateshead, next Saturday.

The children, who all live or attend school in the Tyne and Wear region, have been eligible to enter trials and competitions in the core sports - athletics, cricket, rugby, swimming, basketball, netball, tennis, hockey and football for girls, in the past few months.

Swimming will involve able-bodied and disabled competitors, while boccia - similar to French boules - is for disabled competitors only.

Gateshead Borough Council's deputy leader, Councillor Mick Henry, said: "Gateshead is delighted to host the 2001 Tyne and Wear Youth Games following on from the very successful Millennium Youth Games held in Sunderland last year.

"Although many events will be naturally competitive, the emphasis of these games is on participation, fun and the enjoyment of taking part."

The youth games is one of 36 events taking place this summer throughout England, which are funded by the Lottery Sports Fund.

The local authorities of Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland support the games through the involvement of their sports development officers, who will act as team leaders during the event.