CRICKET fans from all over the world have been in the North-East today as the region hosts the first of three international fixtures.

The Cricket World Cup arrived in County Durham as Sri Lanka took on South Africa at the Riverside Stadium in Chester-le-Street.

Two free ‘fan zones’ are now open in Durham, with a big screen and deck chairs in the Market Place, as well as cricket activities in Millennium Square.

Triple jumper Jonathan Edwards, who won an Olympic gold medal, and still holds the world record, is an ambassador for the Cricket World Cup and was in Durham on Friday lunchtime.

He said: “It is good to see that the World Cup is getting involved in communities and giving young people the opportunity to try it out.

“Although we have got Durham County Cricket Club, it is not normally a natural cricketing area so initiatives like this are really good for the game.”

Edwards, now 53, graduated with a degree in physics from Durham University before he became the Olympic, European and Commonwealth and World champion.

He added: “I love my cricket and the Riverside Stadium is a beautiful venue for cricket.

“Durham is very close to my heart so it is great to see all of this. It is a lot of fun and it is lovely to come back here.”

Live cricket will be shown on the screens in the Market Place over the weekend, including England’s meeting with India at Edgbaston on Sunday.

The ‘fan zones’ are open from 10am and supporters will have the opportunity to try street cricket in Millennium Place.

Durham is one of ten cities across the country to host celebrations during the Cricket World Cup, giving supporters the chance watch the tournament alongside fans from Sri Lanka, South Africa, the West Indies and New Zealand.

In Chester-le-Street, the West Indies play Sri Lanka on Monday and on Wednesday fans will watch England take on New Zealand.

Both matches are scheduled to started at 10.30am, with gates opening two hours before the action begins.

Michelle Gorman, managing director at Visit County Durham, said: “The free fan zones are creating a real buzz for visitors and residents, ensuring that everyone can be a part of Durham’s Cricket World Cup fever.”