LIB DEMS CARRY THE TORCH FOR NORTH EAST OLYMPIC HOPES

4.14.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 21st Sep 2009

Newcastle North campaigner Ron Beadle is backing a regional Liberal Democrat campaign to bring the Olympic flame to our region as part of the UK celebrations in 2012.

Ron is supporting the campaign, which is led by Berwick MP Sir Alan Beith, which was launched to coincide with Great North Run.

Liberal Democrats from across the North East have written to Lord Coe as chairman of the London Organising Committee asking for the flame to visit the region.

Other signatories include Councillor John Shipley, leader of Newcastle City Council, Councillor Jeff Reid, leader of Northumberland County Council, Greg Stone, Parliamentary spokesman for Newcastle East, Carol Woods, Parliamentary spokesman for Durham City and Ian Swales, Parliamentary spokesman for Redcar.

Ron Beadle said: "The Olympics is a fantastic opportunity to encourage many people to get involved in all kinds of sporting activity whatever their level of ability.

"Bringing the Olympic flame to the North East will remind people that although the focus of the Games is London, we can all get involved in celebrating this event."

Councillor John Shipley added: "The massive public support and involvement with the Great North Run, which has grown into the biggest half marathon in the world, shows how important sport is here in the north east and bringing the Olympic flame to our region recognises that."

The Lib Dem team presented Lord Coe with a letter inviting the Olympic Flame to the North East at an event to promoting London 2012 at the Liberal Democrat party conference in Bournemouth.