POTENTIAL running coaches are being offered free training to support people taking part in the Great North Run.

The Tony Blair Sports Foundation (TBSF) is working with Run in England to offer the Leadership in Running and Fitness qualification. It is hoped that coaches will go on to form new small running groups across the region for men and women in workplaces and local communities.

The groups will also help support Team TBSF which is taking part in the Great North Run this year.

Pauline Beare from Run in England said: "The course is designed for people who already run a little and have the enthusiasm to share their interest.

"It's not totally about ability and speed.

"We need people who would like to take small groups of runners with multiple abilities out safely to help them improve, develop friendship networks of runners and generally have more fun."

Team TBSF has runners of all standards who take part in the Great North Run to raise money for the foundation which supports grassroots sports.

Mr Blair said: "Since its launch, the TBSF has been very involved in one of the biggest sporting events of the year - the Great North Run.

"I am extremely pleased to say that Team TBSF will be running on behalf of the foundation once again.

"The money raised by our team of runners will be used to help qualify even more young people and adults to become sports coaches and officials, so that more children across the region get the opportunity to get into sport."

Running leaders must be 18 or over and should visit tonyblairsportsfoundation.org or call 0191-2760640 for more information.