Blair joins 2012 Roadshow in Darlington

Olympic gold medallist Jonathan Edwards, Sports Minister Richard Caborn and Chief Executive of the London Organising Committee Paul Deighton were also there to meet participants and have a go at mini-athletic events in Market Square.

The Prime Minister said: "We may not all be able to be Olympic or Paralympic champions but physical activity is important to us all.

"It is fantastic to see all the action here today. I never thought I'd see Beach Volleyball in Darlington."

Later the Roadshow bus travelled to the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, where businesses from the North East heard about the commercial opportunities arising from the Games.

The final stops in the North East are in Gateshead and Newcastle, including 2012 Football venue St James' Park.

21 July 2006