THE curtain opens on the Great North Millennium Transplant Games today, with all of the 660 athletes gearing up for the biggest-ever event of its kind.

Tonight's opening ceremony, at Newcastle Civic Hall, sees the Olympic-style torch passed on from athletes at last year's event, in Birmingham, to those competing this week.

Sponsored by Asda, the games are also backed by The Northern Echo as part of our A Chance to Live campaign.

As tonight's ceremony officially starts the proceedings, one event will already be under way. The cycling competition starts at 6pm, at Hetton Lyons Park, near Houghton-le-Spring, 15 minutes before the official ceremony starts.

Tomorrow will see a sporting events taking place all over Tyneside, from golf and volleyball to new events such as fishing and archery.

On Saturday, the middle day of the games, events will include squash, bowls and canoeing as well as swimming, table tennis and snooker.

The final day, Sunday, will see the final track and field events at Gateshead Stadium, followed by the closing ceremony and entertainment.

For a full itinerary of events, times and venues, call the Transplant Games office on 0191-415 2590 or call in at a local library for details.

Alternatively visit the games' official website at www.argonet.co.uk/body