World Transplant Games: Sunderland landmarks lit in honour of event - here's what you can see in the city and when

Sporting events are running across the North East until Saturday – with Wearside playing host to parts of the competition throughout the week.

Swimming, cycling and 10-pin bowling competitions will be staged in Sunderland and they are free for spectators to attend.

Penshaw Monument, Northern Spire bridge, Fulwell Mill, Seaburn Lighthouse, Keel Square, Market Square and High Street West are all being lit in the colours of the games each night for the duration of the event.

Four of these, Penshaw Monument, Northern Spire bridge, Fulwell Mill and High Street West, will be lit from dusk until dawn.

Keel Square will be illuminated from dusk until shortly after midnight, while Seaburn Lighthouse will be lit from dusk until 10pm.

About 2,500 competitors will descend on the region to participate in the games – and all of those taking part are either recipients of organ or tissue tranplants, living donors or donor families.

Hopefuls from 59 countries around the world will compete.

Councillor John Kelly, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Sunderland City Council, has urged the city to turn and cheer on the sporting hopefuls.

He said: "It's a real honour to be one of the cities hosting the games. Each and every one of the athletes taking part will have battled against the odds to take part in one of the world's greatest sporting events.

“I also hope they'll be inspired by the athletes taking part to sign up to become organ donors and discuss their wishes with their loved ones because that's what the games are all about."

Newcastle and Gateshead are the main base for this year’s competition, but Sunderland too has its chance to shine as host for three of the games’ 16 sports.

At any one time there are about 5,900 people on the transplant waiting list and on average three people die every day who could have benefited from organ donation.

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