IT has been labelled the greatest sporting event to be hosted in the North-East, but the impact of the Seve Trophy 2005 may be felt long after the spectators have packed up and gone home.

Doubters may have believed the region was not ready to host such a high-profile event as the four-day international golf tournament, but last night it was hailed a major success by all.

Thousands of people have flocked to The Wynyard Club, near Billingham, for the Great Britain and Ireland versus Europe competition which began on Thursday, and the pro-celebrity tournament held on Wednesday.

Officials from Amen Corner, a company led by Spanish golfing legend Seve Ballesteros, were expecting about 25,000 spectators.

However, last night, it was estimated that the numbers through the gates had surpassed that at 40,000 - making it the best attended yet.

Even the pro-celebrity contest on Wednesday, in which footballers Alan Shearer and Michael Owen and Ashes cricketers Paul Collingwood and Steve Harmison played, attracted 2,500 supporters, much higher than in previous years.

For regional development agency One NorthEast, which brought the competition to the region after successfully bidding two years ago, the knock-on effect for the area is incalculable.

One NorthEast spokeswoman Stacy Hall said: "The tournament has been televised to 25 different countries and to 130 million different households around the world, so the level of exposure is great for the North-East.

"We bid for this tournament for economic reasons, because big events bring in big publicity and they really raise the profile of the region.

"A lot of people have come to the event, but other people may now visit the region because they have seen it on television.

"And then there is the work that it creates locally, because events like this need a lot of contractors and suppliers, so the impact is great in a number of areas for a lot of people."

It is estimated that the tournament will generate an additional £10m for the area, some of which will already have been felt at the weekend.

Hotels and bed and breakfasts reported they were full, while bars and restaurants in the Tees Valley took advantage of the extra custom from some of golf's biggest names, their caddies, more than 100 journalists and scores of fans.

However, in months to come, it could be some of our tourist spots that reap the rewards.

One North-East provided Sky Sports and The Golf Channel with footage of the region, including aerial shots of High Force, near Teesdale, County Durham, and Hadrian's Wall, which were screened across the world during breaks in play.

And with the newly enhanced fairways and greens at The Wynyard Club, along with the warm sunshine of the past few days, organisers believe the North-East was portrayed extremely well.

Seve and his team have praised the people of the region for putting on such a professional tournament and frequently commented on the warm welcome they have received.

The Wynyard Club's managing director, Gary Munro, said he was delighted with the success of the event and that he hoped it led to bigger and better things.

He said: "I'm probably the most laid-back person of everyone here because I had great confidence in my own team and the Wynyard Partnertship, who organised it.

"We will see what legacy this leaves behind, but we are all working extremely hard to see if we can capitalise on this for the future.

"I used to play professionally, and nobody had heard of Stockton. Now, I think, we have successfully put Stockton on the map.

"Everyone, including the players, have only had good things to say. I hope this is only the beginning for us."

Organisers said they suspected people had travelled from far and wide to watch the tournament.

However, those The Northern Echo spoke to yesterday all came from the region.

Keith Linsley, from Newcastle, said it was the first live golf tournament he had been to.

He said: "I have just come for a few hours because it was on the doorstep.

"It has been really enjoyable and it is brilliant to have something like this in the region."

Andrew Latham, from Ingleby Barwick, Stockton, said: "I play golf, but this is the first tournament I have been to.

"I doubted that this course could cope, but it is in the best condition I have ever seen it.

"This is great for the Tees Valley."

Linda Grieve, from Sunderland, said: "It is excellent and there are some good viewing points. We do not get many big things like this in our area, so people should support them.

"The only downside is that it was a long walk from the car park and my dad doesn't walk very well."

Neil Schneider, director of development and neighbourhood services at Stockton Borough Council, said: "The tournament has been a great opportunity for us to showcase all that is good in this area, and maybe it has helped to dispel any myths that may have been around in doubters' minds.

"Not only have we staged it, but we have staged it very well."