DOUBLE Olympic champion Kelly Holmes is hoping to sign her season off in style on Newcastle's Quayside today - in more ways than one.

Holmes, who claimed gold in both the 800m and the 1,500m at Athens last month, will take in some of Newcastle's finest sights as she makes her final appearance of the year in this afternoon's Great North Mile.

And, once the formalities of the event are completed, the former army sergeant will sample some of the city's legendary hospitality as she lets her hair down for the first time since her history-making performances in Greece.

"I've got 15 members of my family coming up on a coach from Kent," revealed Holmes, who is expected to win the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year contest later this year. "They're going to watch me race and then they're going to make sure I celebrate in style.

"I haven't been able to celebrate properly since I won my medals because I've still had events to train for.

"I haven't had anything to drink for so long, but I'm certainly looking at having a few drinks after the race.

"I'm not sure if that's such a good idea because I had half a glass of champagne after Athens and it went to my head straight away. That was strange, but my family are going to make sure I have a few with them."

The celebrations will only go with a swing, though, if Holmes ends her campaign on a winning note this afternoon.

The 34-year-old lost her Great North Mile title 12 months ago when Turkey's Sureyya Ayhan out-sprinted her to the line and, despite everything she has achieved since, that reverse still rankles with an athlete who has grown unaccustomed to losing.

Defeat today would be even more chastening, with over 20,000 spectators expected to line the banks of the River Tyne to catch a glimpse of Britain's latest sporting superstar.

"I feel like I've just got to win this race," said Holmes. "I wanted to finish my track season on a high, and that's what I did in Monaco last weekend.

"But this is in front of the home crowd and it would complete everything if I was able to win back on home soil.

"I want to go out on a high and I still remember how I felt last year when I finished second. I ran a pathetic race then and I kicked myself about it for the whole of last winter.

"I don't want that feeling again and that's why I'm so determined to win the title back."

Holmes has spent the last month in something of a daze as her life has been turned upside down since she returned from the Greek capital.

Instead of trudging round deserted training tracks, she has found herself rubbing shoulders with A-list film stars at the premiere of hit movie Wimbledon, parading in front of the crowd at her local football club, Charlton Athletic, and, in what she feels to be one the top accolades of all, even picking up a gold Blue Peter badge.

Tomorrow night will bring an appearance at the latest set of TV awards, while next month will see her take to the field at Old Trafford before England meet Wales in a World Cup qualifier.

Things have changed out of all recognition but, while she admits she will be taking her foot off the pedal next year, Holmes has no plans to hang up her running spikes for the final time.

"I had no plans to retire before the Olympics so I don't see why things should suddenly change just because I did what I did," she said.

"I'm going to set myself some goals for next year, but I know I can be a bit more relaxed about things now.

"For a lot of time in the past, my athletics hasn't been that enjoyable.

"It's been such an emotional rollercoaster that it's been hard to stand back and enjoy what's been going on.

"But now the pressure I'm under won't be pressure I place on myself. If there's a time when I've got a bit of a problem, I won't feel like I have to run anymore, and that's great."