Athletics: Gateshead back on world circuit

Next year's Gateshead and Crystal Palace meetings have been granted Super Grand Prix status by the International Association of Athletic Federations in Monte Carlo. The Gateshead meeting, back after a one-year absence, will take place on 13 July with the Crystal Palace meeting on 8 August.

Alan Pascoe, the former European 400 metres hurdles champion turned promoter, said: "It is tremendous that Gateshead has been recognised again as a major international venue. Now we need the people to get behind the event and make it a sell-out."

The former European cross-country champion Jon Brown has announced his availability to compete for the British team at this year's championships at Medullin, Croatia on 15 December.