A BOLD blueprint to reclaim the River Tees for Stockton was launched yesterday.

The first part of a multi-million pound strategy will include regeneration of Stockton town centre, a futuristic "gatehouse" spanning the river and a firm bid to make Teesside an international water sports centre.

A 45,000-seater sports arena could also be on the cards.

The next step is to get funding for the ambitious project, unveiled at the Tees Barrage by the partnership behind the scheme.

The message sent out was: "This is not pie in the sky. It can be delivered."

A new document details regeneration plans from the barrage to the limit of navigable river at Low Worsall.

A partnership of British Waterways, Stockton Council, One North-East and English Partnerships consulted widely before formulating the four-step programme.

More jobs and investment along with community involvement are envisaged along the banks of a revitalised river.

Jane Neville-Smith, co-ordinator of the Tees Navigation Strategy, said the partnership was already looking at action plans to deliver the scheme.

Patrick Thornber of British Waterways said: "The potential for this area has been unrealised. So much more can be done but there has to be a firm strategy involving local people.

"It seems Stockton has almost turned its back on the river. We want to turn the town round to face the Tees as a major resource.

"We aim to make Teesside a major water sports destination by creating a river culture.

"Stockton and Middlesbrough are here because of the river and we need to reclaim it for the people."

Ms Neville-Smith said projects included re-grading the existing amphitheatre to accommodate more people and maybe bringing Stockton's Riverside Festival down to the site.

A canoe slalom area would also be boosted and a small mooring basin created.

"The only way to get funding for something like this is to put together a clear strategy which can be taken seriously," said Mr Thornber.

"This is not pie in the sky. Where the money comes from is the next big question but if we were not sure it could be accessed, we would not be doing this.

"The Tees could be the most important angling river in the country and that will bring in visitors and create jobs."

Alan Slater, Stockton-based river manager for BW, said the river could now sustain some of the best coarse fishing in the country.

The banks were home to otters for the first time and kingfishers were also present.

He did not anticipate any clashes with green campaigners over the strategy, but said: "This is a new river system and nature takes time to settle down, but it is happening.

"This will enhance the environment and give more people access to the river whereas it has been pretty limited up to now.