PEOPLE in the North-East are being urged by one of the region's best-known athletes to run a mile for charity

The theme of Sport Relief 2004 is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Roger Bannister's record-breaking first four-minute mile.

Organisers want people to join in by running the same distance in any way they choose to raise money by getting sponsors.

Steve Cram officially launched the region's bid at Newcastle's Exhibition Park, which is one of 14 key national venues.

He said: "People can run backwards, skip, run tied to someone else or do it in fancy dress if they like.

"There will be a few serious runners who want to see how fast they can do it.

"But a mile is all you have to do, but if people want to do it three or four times then they can."

A number of celebrities have already signed up to become Milers, including Frank Bruno, Sir Steve Redgrave, Gordon Ramsay, Harry Enfield, Jo Brand and Nicky Campbell.

People can register on www.sportrelief.com, or call 09068 101010.