Ant and Dec to start Great North Run in Newcastle

Ant and Dec first met on children's drama Byker Grove

Geordie TV double act Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly will return to the north east of England to start the 30th Bupa Great North Run.

The award winning television presenting duo will wave off the 54,000 runners on 19 September.

The 13.1-mile race will start in Newcastle and finish in South Shields.

Previous starters of the race, which is televised live on BBC One, include Sir Bobby Robson, Dame Kelly Holmes and Tyneside musician Sting.

Ant described the starters roles as a "great honour".

Meanwhile Dec said: "It is something the North East is very proud of and we're really looking forward to being involved in the 30th event.

"Who knows, one day we both might run it, although I'd clearly finish well ahead of Ant."

Ant and Dec first met on children's drama Byker Grove.