GIANT SCREEN UNVEILED BY BORO DUO
Elise Brunton

Middlesbrough's giant screen was officially unveiled to the public yesterday with the help of Boro stars Julio Arca and Seb Hines.

The screen has been erected to broadcast the Beijing Games and London Olympic Handover Ceremony.

Looking down on Middlesbrough's impressive centre square, the giant screen marks Middlesbrough as a thoroughly modern town and forms an important part of the town's regeneration.

It may also be used in future to broadcast local events such as music concerts and sports events.

Funded by the National Lottery through the Olympics Lottery Distributor (OLD) and London 2012 partners, Lloyds TSB and BT, the screen is expected to last ten years.

The screen is made of toughened glass which has been used to make a similar screen at a cricket ground and should therefore withstand vandalism.

Chair of OLD Janet Paraskeva said: "The Olympic and Paralympic Games are one of the greatest of all international events and these new Live Sites in the heart of some of our major cities will create a focal point for communities to come together and enjoy the events."

Middlesbrough is one of eight towns and cities to receive the screens.

Cardiff, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Swansea and Waltham Forest all have screens, while Norwich and Bristol are waiting for planning permission.

Juliet Farrar, Head of Cultural Services in Middlesbrough, said: "We're proud that Middlesbrough has been chosen to have a permanent screen erected in the city centre.

"The Celebration event in Middlesbrough is a great opportunity for local residents to take part in the UK's handover celebrations and I urge local people to come down on the 24th [of August] to celebrate this historic occasion."

Each town has invited local sports stars to help unveil their screen.

Injured Boro midfielder Julio Arca and promising young defender Seb Hines were on hand yesterday to pose for photos and sign autographs for fans.

Arca was limping slightly but still stopped to speak to the children who were playing in the fountains next to mima.

Speaking to ComeOnBoro, Seb Hines said: "It's good for the community of Middlesbrough.

"It will attract more people to watch the Olympics, which is good for the whole of England."

And will Hines be following the Olympics himself?

"Yes definitely. Everyone watches the Olympics!"

After a good run of friendlies in pre-season, Boro are looking fit and ready to go.

Seb said: "I'm looking foward to getting back. After a long break, you want get back to the routine and I'm definitely looking foward to the new season."