Block defends her world crown in August

The Ukrainian has included the Norwich Union Super League meeting in her preparations for defending her world title in Paris later this summer.

With Olympic champion Marion Jones taking a year out to have a baby, Block is the biggest draw in women's sprinting.

She said: "Much of the attention on athletics in this country focuses on the Grand Prix at Crystal Palace.

"But with the field that is being put together in Gateshead this year I think we are set for an equally strong event."

Tickets for the Norwich Union Super League meeting at the Gateshead International Stadium on 13 July are available via www.ukathletics.net or on 0870 4444440.