REGIONAL development agency One NorthEast has joined the bid to bring the Seve Trophy golf tournament to the North-East.

Discussions are taking place with event organisers to secure the 2005 three-day series of matches pitting the cream of mainland Europe's golfers against Great Britain and Ireland's finest.

Attracting the event to the North-East is a key aim of the sporting element of the region's bid for European Capital of Culture 2008 status.

The Seve Trophy is highlighted in the NewcastleGateshead bid as part of the proposed European Challenge Games.