IT gets thousands of people active, but the long term future of the North-East's largest cycling event is in jeopardy.

The Cyclone Festival of Cycling, which includes the elite Beaumont Trophy and Curlew Cup, as well as a sportive for thousands in and around Stamfordham, faces an uncertain future unless it finds a new headline sponsor.

The reputation of the Cyclone has grown dramatically since launched in 2006, and the spectacular scenes afforded to cyclists as the route passes through the likes of Stamfordham, Matfen and Ryal scores highly with participants.

However, festival organiser Peter Harrison fears the 2018 event, which will take place on the weekend of June 15, may be the last edition.

The festival, though, has been run at a loss after losing the sponsorship from Virgin Money last year, the funds provided underwriting considerable costs associated with running three days of organised cycling events.

The news come at a time when the festival is at its strongest point, particularly with the Beaumont Trophy accruing international status and being sanctioned by cycling's world governing body, the UCI.

Harrison said: “The Cyclone Festival offers something for everyone; families and young children enjoy our Friday evening rides by the Tyne, club and leisure cyclists ride Saturday’s Cyclone Challenge Rides in their thousands and then elite men’s and women’s teams then race over the same roads on the Sunday.

"We raise thousands of pounds for charities every year and enjoy tremendous support from the local communities through which our events pass.

"But, despite running the whole weekend on a not-for-profit basis, we still need the backing of a major sponsor if we are to continue running and developing the weekend.

“We are looking to find a major backer who will headline across the whole weekend.

"In return, we can offer them a well-established platform for their brand. Messages of sustainability, corporate responsibility, health and fitness all sit well alongside the way we promote and run the festival.”