A giant set of Olympic Rings has been installed on the iconic Tyne Bridge in Newcastle as the city gets into the spirit for its summer as an Olympic host city.

The spectacular 25m by 12m rings have given a clear signal that Newcastle is ready to join the festivities when the Olympic Torch Relay arrives this Friday.

The city will have a key role in the Olympic Games this summer, with nine football matches being played at Newcastle United’s famous St James’ Park stadium between Thursday July 26 and Friday August 3.

Tens of thousands of fans are expected to join the celebrations on the city’s Quayside to mark the arrival of the Olympic Torch, which will take place against the backdrop of the huge Rings.

Olympics Minister Hugh Robertson said this summer would really stamp Newcastle’s mark on the global sporting scene.

He said:

“Throughout the UK the people of Newcastle and Gateshead are known for their enthusiasm for sport, especially when it comes to football. This summer the whole world will be able to experience that enthusiasm, enjoy the welcome and enjoy the fantastic architecture with the Olympic football being played at the famous St James’ Park. In the past few weeks we have seen people around the UK embrace the Olympic spirit as the Torch Relay has arrived and I know there will be a spectacular reception when it arrives in the North East.”

The Rings were completed yesterday and officially launched today by Councillor Nick Forbes, leader of Newcastle City Council, and Councillor Mick Henry, leader of Gateshead Council.

The Tyne Bridge is the latest iconic site where a giant set of Olympic Rings has been installed. Others have already been unveiled at St Pancras railway station in London, at the entrance to the Channel Tunnel in Calais, in flowers at Kew Gardens, at Birmingham airport, on the River Thames in London, on The Mound in Edinburgh and outside the city halls in Cardiff, Belfast and Glasgow. More will follow in Coventry, Surrey and Weymouth in the coming weeks.