The Women's UK Pro Surf Tour 2008 will be stopping off at Long Sands on October 25 and 26 for the first time in its history.

And the event – the Roxy Women's North East Open – is set to draw in the crowds on what a weekend which also includes the Xperience08 event taking place at nearby Beaconsfield.

Top international men will also be at Long Sands on the day taking part in the Quicksilver North East Open, with locally born Sam Lamiroy looking to re-claim his title in the north east.

The women's event in Tynemouth is part of an extended tour following the sponsorship of Roxy, taking the overall programme up from six events to nine.

UK Pro Surf Tour director Dave Reed said: "This is great news for women's surfing.

"This will be the first year we will have managed to hold the same number of events on the women's tour as the men.

"This also shows how strong women's surfing has become."

Michelle Noschese, on behalf of Roxy, said: "Roxy is pleased to support this event as a first for women's surfing in the UK.

"Girls have been asking Roxy for something like this, so we are happy to encourage more to take part in some of the best and most challenging conditions that European surfing has to offer."