INTERNATIONAL sports stars from North-East teams will tonight open an exhibition of children's artwork carrying an anti-racism message.

Three Tyneside rugby and football favourites will also meet some of the artists responsible for the exhibits on show at Newcastle's Discovery Museum.

Newcastle United Football Club's talented youngsters, Jermaine Jenas, recently capped at full England level, and Congo Democratic Republic player Lomana LuaLua will represent the Magpies at the launch, alongside Newcastle Falcons' player Marius Hurter, a Rugby World Cup winner with South Africa in 1995.

Winning entrants in an art competition which coincided with World Holocaust Memorial Day will have their work displayed as part of the Show Racism the Red Card campaign.

The guests of honour will also unveil a poster carrying the anti-racism message, sponsored by Newcastle City Council, which will be displayed in Metro stations and trains.

Ged Grebby, of Show Racism the Red Card, said: "This fantastic exhibition will not only highlight why we must tackle racism of all kinds, it also shows how important the issue of racism is to the young of Newcastle."

The exhibition can be seen at the museum, in Blandford Square, from tomorrow until March 31.

The museum is open from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and on Sunday, from 2pm to 5pm.

Admission is free.