5:57PM, Sat Jun 16, 2012

Tyne And Wear Olympic Torch Relay Day Two: Gateshead, South Tyneside And Sunderland

By India Adams Location: Sunderland, Gateshead and South Tyneside - Phew!

Video: Gebrselassie, Cram, Foster and the 2012 torch adventure

The Olympic torch has left Tyne and Wear after an eventful morning in Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland.

The torch began its day with an early-morning abseil down the side of the Sage.

After a lap of the track of Gateshead Stadium, Olympic great Haile Gebrselassie handed the torch over to Hebburn-born Olympic bronze medalist Brendan Foster at The Great North Run finish line in South Shields.

Extended highlights: Richard Jackson carries the torch down the side of the Sage

World Champion 1,500m runner Steve Cram carried the torch into Sunderland's Aquatic Centre, where it was taken across the pool on a specially constructed platform.

The torch then made its way to Herrington Country Park for a special event at 10.30am.

Extended highlights: The torch completes a lap of the track at Gateshead Stadium

It then re-entered Gateshead at midday as crowds turned out to watch it pass the Angel of the North. It was met by the Mayor of Gateshead in Blaydon.

To celebrate the relay, food and drink village ‘Split Feastival’ was held in Herrington Country Park where local bands like The Futureheads and Frankie and the Heartstrings headlined and the Sunderland in 2012 Community choir performed.

Interactive map: The torchbearers who took the Olympic Torch through Tyne and Wear

There were also scheduled events from Blue Peter, Urban Games, a world record hula hooping event and a fireworks display.