A 100-STRONG fleet of schooners, clippers and square-riggers sailed out of the Tyne on the last leg of the Tall Ships Race yesterday - leaving an economic and tourism bonanza for North-East in their wake.

An estimated 1.5 million people visited the Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides during the four-day festival, bringing more than £50m to the region.

The Parade of Sail, watched by thousands of people, was led by three Royal Navy vessels to the river's mouth at 8am.

The Duke of Gloucester, who was visiting the region, boarded the HMS Example and was taken to witness the fleet setting sail for the final leg of the race, to Frederikstad, in Norway.

The fleet lined up under sail five miles out at sea, where HMS Invincible gave the starting signal for the race to Norway at about 4pm.

Phil Payne, tall ships manager for NewcastleGateshead said: "The event has been a spectacular success, not only for Newcastle-Gateshead, but for the entire region.

"It is the most popular and most enjoyable event we have ever staged. It has been great for local youngsters as well - several hundred of whom have taken part in the races.

"I am immensely proud of everyone who has worked so hard on the project."

Andrew Dixon, the executive director at the Arts Council England North-East said: "The immediate impact of the event has been huge - and there will be a long-lasting legacy as well.

"We have had three million hits on our Visit Newcastle-Gateshead website - more than five times what we would normally get.

"A lot of people have had family and friends staying, who have seen the changes in Newcastle-Gateshead.

"They have seen there has been a great renaissance."

Councillor John McElroy, cabinet member for culture at Gateshead Council said: "For Gateshead, the festival has been especially exciting, as it is the first time ships have birthed on the south bank of the Tyne.

"Since they were last here in 1993, Gateshead Quays has been completely transformed, with new developments - Baltic, the Gates-head Millennium Bridge and The Sage Gateshead - springing up along the riverside."

Superintendent Paul Weir, who was in charge of the policing operation, said: "The whole event passed off very well and there were no arrests made. There was an excellent atmosphere and members of the public who attended were very good humoured."

Locals were also praised for coming to the rescue of one boats.

The Lord Rank lost its propeller on its way to port in Hartlepool last weekend.

The crew of the Northern Irish vessel still had enough momentum to carry the ship into Hartlepool Marina and, once it was berthed, locals rallied to help the vessel.

Divers helped lift the boat from the water while a new propeller was found.

Kevin Balmer, the captain, said: "We would like to thank everyone for their kindness and generosity. The spirit of friendship was amazing. As soon as it was confirmed that we had lost our propeller, all the stops were pulled out so that, by 3pm in the afternoon, we had another one in place, fitted with a specially-made nut and key."