The Northwest of England has a well-deserved reputation as a hotbed of sport, but 2008 is set to be a year to remember for the region.

Aside from the staple diet of football, cricket and rugby league, not to mention the Grand National, this year the region stages a series of major events, including the UEFA Cup Final at the City of Manchester Stadium, the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, and world championships at swimming and track cycling.

We talk to a number of sporting greats who have warm memories of the area and in particular the events that they participated in, plus some young hopefuls who will be looking to make their mark this year.

LANCASHIRE, the North, England! In that order.

I have never forgotten those words and never will. They were spoken by national coaching great John Burgess...