ATHLETICS legend Lord Sebastian Coe will visit the region next week to promote Tyneside's bid to host part of the 2012 Olympics.

The double Olympic gold medal winner will join North-East triple jumper Jonathan Edwards at Gateshead International Stadium. The pair will present medals to youngsters taking part in a 60m sprint race.

Lord Coe, vice-chairman of the London 2012 Olympic bid, said: "The North-East is a passionate sporting region and has produced many of the UK's great Olympians.

"Some of the world's best athletes have trained and competed at Gateshead Stadium."

In its submission to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) earlier this year, the bid confirmed that St James' Park, in Newcastle, would be a football venue if London was successful.

"A successful London Olympic bid will bring benefits to the whole of the UK, including, of course, the North-East," said Lord Coe.

"As well as St James' Park hosting the Olympic football, the North-East could also host some of the 200 Olympic teams that will look to train in the UK in the weeks and months leading up to a London Games.

"The benefits of an Olympic Games are provable and well documented, including inspiration for young competitors, coach educators and the spin- off for tourism and other business."

During his visit, Lord Coe will also present an award at the North-East Sports Awards and will address the Getting England Active health and wellbeing conference in Sunderland, with Sports Minister Richard Caborn.