GATESHEAD International Stadium has been chosen as one of the BBC's eight venues for big screens to view the Live8 concert, it has been revealed.

Three-thousand free tickets are available to watch Live8 on a big screen on Saturday, with artists including Coldplay, Paul MacCartney, US, Elton John, Robbie Williams, Sting, Maria Carey and Joss Stone.

The gates will open at noon, with the concert starting at 1pm and finishing at 10pm.

The event is supported by Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, Gateshead and Newcastle councils and development agency One NorthEast through the Passionate People, Passionate Places campaign.

Free tickets are available from the stadium and Gateshead Visitor Centre, in St Mary's Church, beside the Sage music centre, and it is hoped those attending will donate to Live8.

The maximum number of tickets available per person is four.

Gateshead Council leader Councillor Mick Henry said: "Gateshead Council is proud to support Live8 and has pulled out all the stops to make this event happen.

"The plight of African countries has struck a chord across the country and, as a council, we fully support any means of assisting the countries so stricken by poverty.

"This is a great opportunity for local people to get involved and show their support for this worldwide effort."

For tickets, contact Gates-head Stadium on 0191-433 5700.