THE North-East is poised to win cash backing for an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Rival bids from the city councils in Newcastle and Sunderland have been lodged for Heritage Lottery funding to develop 50m pools.

The new chief executive of Sport England, David Moffett, confirmed yesterday that one of the bids should receive the go-ahead.

Mr Moffett acknowledged the need for a full-size competition pool, as there were no such facilities between Edinburgh and Leeds.

Britain's swimmers said poor facilities contributed to the lack of medals success in the last Olympic Games.

Mr Moffett was accompanying Sports Minister Richard Caborn on a fact-finding tour.

Mr Caborn opened East Durham and Houghall College women's basketball academy, at its Peterlee sports site.

During the tour, Mr Moffett was asked about the region's hopes for a 50m pool.

He said: "There is absolutely no doubt there is a need. Each application will be treated on its merits."

Newcastle's bid is part of a proposed £11m redevelopment of Northumbria University's Northumberland Road sports complex.

Sunderland is seeking funding for a £12m complex on the Stadium Park site, near the Stadium of Light.

A further boost for the region's swimmers came with the launch of Durham University Aquatics, by Mr Caborn, which will help to cultivate the region's elite swimmers.