Carnival atmosphere promised at World Cup opener

Hosts England face the United States, Samoa and Australia in their pool games

A carnival atmosphere will be created for the opening match of this summer's Women's Rugby World Cup, councillors in its host city have promised.

England will get the tournament under way in Sunderland on Friday 22 August when they take on the United States of America.

The match will be played at the Stadium of Light, with the local authority revealing plans for 150 flags in the area along with fan zones, fireworks and a parade across the new Wear footbridge which will connect the city centre with the ground.

Councillor Beth Jones, cabinet member for communities, culture and tourism, described it as "a brilliant opportunity to showcase the city".

Fan zones will be situated at Keel Edge and Keel Square from Thursday 21 to Saturday 23 August.

A firework display at Riverside Park will be held following the game, which the council says will be visible across the city centre.

A programme of events are also planned elsewhere in the North East including touch rugby beach festivals at places including Bamburgh.

A firework display will be held once the opening match has finished

Jones said: "It's going to be incredibly exciting weekend. The eyes of the world will be on Sunderland and it's a brilliant opportunity to showcase the city.

"We will have visitors from across the globe and I can't wait to welcome them.

"There's something for all the family in the events we've laid on across the weekend and I think it will be a real celebration of both the tournament and the city."

England's women's team won the 2014 World Cup with South Shields-born Katy Daley McLean captaining the team.