Lib Dems carry the torch for North East Olympic hopes

North East Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign to bring the Olympic flame to our region as part of the UK celebrations in 2012.

Led by Berwick’s MP Sir Alan Beith, Liberal Democrats from around the north east have written to Lord Coe as Chairman of the London Organising Committee asking for the flame to visit the North east. Other signatories are: Fiona Hall MEP, Cllr John Shipley, Leader of Newcastle City Council; Cllr Jeff Reid, Leader of Northumberland County Council, Ron Beadle, parliamentary spokesman for Newcastle North; Greg Stone, parliamentary spokesman for Newcastle East; Carol Woods, parliamentary spokesman for Durham City; and Ian Swales, parliamentary spokesman for Redcar.

Sir Alan Beith said

"The Olympics is a wonderful opportunity to encourage many people to get involved in all kinds of sporting activity. 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.

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