Cricket club starts bid for Ashes

Securing the Ashes would be a major boost for the region

Cricket chiefs have started a campaign to bring the Ashes series to the north-east of England.

Durham County Cricket Club has submitted the plans to the England and Wales Cricket Board.

If it is successful, the prestigious series would be held at the Riverside stadium, at Chester-le-Street, in 2009 along with other international matches.

A website has been set up for people across the region to give their support to the campaign.

Since the club gained first class status in 1990, about £15m has been spent on the Riverside and by 2009, a further £15m will potentially be spent on further developments.

'Captured imagination'

The bid would involve a five-year staging agreement including a test match between England and the West Indies in 2007, a one day international between England and South Africa in 2008 and the Ashes in 2009.

Club chairman Clive Leach said: "The long term aim of Durham County Cricket Club has been to stage international cricket of the highest standard in the North East.

"Last year the Ashes captured the imagination of the nation, not least here in the North East with Stephen Harmison and Paul Collingwood's involvement.

"It's our intention to bring one of the greatest sporting events to the Riverside."

Regional development agency One NorthEast said it would bring huge benefits to the region.

Chief executive Alan Clarke said: "I'm sure the Ashes test and all the internationals would be sell outs, raising the region's profile internationally as a place capable of staging top sporting events."