Tony Blair supports kids pedal power

When former Sedgefield MP Tony Blair stepped down as Prime Minister he wanted to encourage youngsters to take up sport in the North East.

He said that while the region had good facilities there was a distinct shortage of coaches who could show children how to get the most of them.

Now, seven years later four and a half thousand coaches have been trained by Mr Blair's Foundation. And today (November 24) he returned to see how children are benefitting.

Ten year olds from Morpeth Road Primary School in Blyth are training to take part in a 300 mile bike relay to London, each peddling up to 150 miles.

Blyth is one of the most depreived areas of the country, and the Bike 4 Health scheme has given pupils to take part in the event. Here are headteacher Mike Bell, Dave Buchan from Bike 4 Health and some of the children taking part:

Last year some Morpeth Road pupils toured Italy on bikes. An amazing opportunity for young children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Now Tony Blair's Sport Foundation is helping the Bike 4 Health scheme to expand into more schools. The former Prime Minister's charity has trained four and a half thousand coaches that are teaching children across the north east how to make the most of sport.

Today, he made a quick tour of the bike sheds, and had a question and answer session with children in the gym.

Although, a promised media interview discussing recent issues in politics was not forthcoming.

The aim is that this generation will be so enthused by sport that they will continue participating into adulthood and lead healthier lives.