ONE of the biggest health promotion events for young people to take place in the region starts tomorrow.

The event, which brings together up to 5,000 young people from the North-East, Cumbria, Wales, Ireland and Hungary aims to encourage healthy and active lifestyles to combat the increasing threat of obesity and diabetes in young people.

Staged at the University of Durham, the majority of young people taking part will be from east Durham.

The project, funded mainly by the European Year of Education Through Sport (Eyes), is the result of a partnership of many organisations, including Easington Primary Care Trust, School Sport Co-ordinator Partnership, Easington District Council, Durham County Council, Durham University and Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT).

The camp kicks off with a Family Come and Try event, and continues until Thursday when it culminates in a mini-Olympics, followed at 6pm by a cultural evening at Peterlee Leisure Centre.

CRT trustee Denise Tate said: "The CRT is an independent charity funding a wide range of coalfield community projects that aim to improve the quality of life for local people, and we are pleased to be able to continue to support this exciting event that encourages a healthier and more active lifestyle among youngsters.

"Once again, the event will be a major celebration for the community and will bring together the whole district in a fun, social occasion," she said.

The event runs from 10am to 2pm each day at the Graham Sports Centre, Maiden Castle, Durham City.