A SPORTS foundation set up by former prime minister Tony Blair has stepped up its hunt for people to take part in the Great North Run.

Mr Blair will personally sponsor 100 people when they take part in the famous half-marathon - to the tune of £500 each.

Most of the 100 places have been filled, but there are still a few spaces left for people who want to run in aid of the Tony Blair Sports Foundation.

The foundation aims to increase participation in sport by young people, particularly those who are socially excluded, in the run up to the 2012 Olympics.

One of the ways it aims to do this is by recruiting more adults and young people to qualify as sports coaches.

Two of the members of Tony Blair's Great North Run Team 100 are Jeanette Pickard, chief executive of the foundation, and Gordon Hall, managing director of Competition Line, which runs Lifestyle Fitness centres across the region.

Lifestyle Fitness is supporting the foundation in its work.

Ms Pickard said: "I can't expect people to do the run and not do it myself.

I've done it before, but it was some years ago. I hope as many people can come and join us."

Mr Hall added: "I've never done the run before, so this will be a lifetime achievement for me. This is a really good cause - we've all seen what sport can do for the nation."

Also taking part will be Carl Gripenstedt, chairman of Competition Line, and his wife, Ullabritt.

Anyone who signs up to Team 100 will receive free gym membership, an online training diary and fitness programme, training advice from Lifestyle Fitness Academy Trainers, a free pedometer, water bottle, race Tshirt and entry into a competition to join VIPs on the day of the run.

Mr Gripenstedt said: "You don't have to be a superb athlete, this is also for ordinary people who might never have done something like this before.

"We're here to support you and provide you with all the help and encouragement you might need."

Anyone taking part in the Great North Run for the sports foundation is asked to raise £1,000 sponsorship, including the £500 from Mr Blair.

Mr Blair said: "All money raised will help us to recruit and train volunteers and coaches who will then give young people across the North-East the opportunities to take part in sport."

For more information on the foundation and how to join Team 100 visit tonyblairsportsfoundation.org