UK Athletics announced on Tuesday that they plan to rotate televised showpiece events.

Chief executive David Moorcroft insists Birmingham, Gateshead and Sheffield have agreed to the new scheduling arrangements.

But Gateshead's director of leisure Mike Newton said: "That is strictly not true.

Moorcroft is adamant the plans are a step in the right direction.

He said: "Gateshead would have preferred to have started the cycle next year. But Sheffield has had no event for four years, so we thought it right to give the Grand Prix II event to them."

Next year's most prestigious event, the Grand Prix I, will remain at Crystal Palace in London.

Despite Gateshead's historical claim to staging international events, Moorcroft said: "It isn't my understanding this is a major issue."

But Newton disagreed, saying: "Once there is a gap it is always harder to bring those things back.

"We're not happy on the imposition of a rotational system. Ideally we would want first option every year.

"We are disappointed with the line taken. For three decades we have had events here."

IAAF general secretary Istvan Gyulai voiced surprise at the decision.

"I don't like it that such a centre of athletics with its exceptional tradition and reputation has been treated like this," he said.

North-east-based Olympic triple-jump champion Jonathan Edwards was said he could understand the decision.

"Gateshead's my home track, and I live in Newcastle, and it's sad there will be no meeting there next year," he said.

"I get great support from jumping in front of my home crowd. But I can see the arguments for taking athletic meetings elsewhere to give others a fair share."