Regeneration company Sunderland arc is throwing its weight behind the campaign to bring group stage games to the Stadium of Light if England wins the right to host the tournament in 2018.]

Visitors to Sunderland International Friendship Festival this weekend will be able to demonstrate their backing for the bid.

The arc has produced kites, complete with the bid logo, on which people will be able to write their own message about why the World Cup should come to Sunderland and the North East in 2018.

There will also be a "Back the Bid" book, which will be displayed alongside the kite-making table in the Family Activities Marquee, which visitors can sign to show their support.

A successful bid would be good news not only for Wearside but for the North East as a whole, with places and people across the region playing a part in the biggest sporting event in the world.

Simon Elliot, property development manager at Sunderland arc, said: "Securing World Cup status would be a massive coup for not only the city but the whole of the North East.

"We have proved we can host successful, large-scale events, but we need to shout about all the other great things this city has to offer.

"The Kite Festival is just one of the massively popular attractions the area boasts.

"We have enjoyed being part of the festival for a number of years now and it is an ideal place for us to drum up more support for the World Cup bid."

The marquee will also showcase the work of pupils at Hudson Road Primary School, who have been working with the arc on creating images of their favourite places in Sunderland.

They are soon to be displayed on hoardings at Holmeside, one of the city centre's key regeneration areas.

To show your support for the bid, log on to www.sunderland2018bid.com and select "Sunderland" as preferred host city.