More than 50,000 runners line up for slog on the Tyne

Athletes crossing the Tyne Bridge as they compete in the Great North Run in Newcastle.

Forecasters had predicted stormy weather on the eve of the event in Newcastle and South Shields and so it was that runners stepped out into strong gusts with the rain lashing down.

Their commitment is, however, expected to pay off to the tune of an estimated £24m in aid of the hundreds of charities represented by those who took part.

The starting pistols were sounded to get the run underway by England cricketer Graeme Swann and World 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu.

There were more famous faces taking part in the race, including former footballer Robbie Savage, singer Mel C and Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley. Harry Potter film star Matthew Lewis also hit the streets, running in aid of Leeds Rugby Foundation.

In the elite men’s race, all eyes with on World and Olympic champion Mo Farah as he narrowly missed out in the men’s race to Ethiopian debutant Kenenisa Bekele.

Kenyan athlete Priscah Jeptoo won the women’s elite race and British Paralympic stars David Weir and Shelly Woods won the wheelchair races.

The unsettled weather which plagued the race and much of the country over the weekend is expected to remain this week, with Yorkshire remaining cool with blustery showers.

But there was better luck at Penistone Agricultural Show near Sheffield, where a grey and damp start was replaced by warm sunshine and dry weather on Saturday. An estimated 15,000 people visited the show fields where livestock classes and a dog show drew interest.