HIGH-PROFILE athletes from all over the world are heading to a County Durham town to compete in a cross-country race.
However, Consett's own leading runner Stuart Bell has had to rule himself out of Saturday's International Cross Country race, based in his home town because of a recurring back injury.
The race, usually held in Durham City, was awarded to Consett after Durham councillors decided to concentrate on another cross-country event next year.
Leader of Derwentside council Alex Watson hailed securing the event - which will be shown on BBC's Grandstand and on television across Europe - as a major coup for the area.
He said: "To buy this kind of exposure for Derwentside would cost £250,000 or more. This is a tremendous boost for us."
One of the most famous runners to compete in the race at Berry Edge, in Consett, will be Paula Radcliffe who will take part in the women's elite race and will wear a running vest promoting Derwentside.
Also running will be last year's winner Richard Cunningham, from Birtley.
Children from across the area are expected to take part in the under 11s open race.
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