FINAL preparations are taking place for the second Test cricket match in the North-East.

Durham County Cricket Club's Riverside ground, at Chester-le-Street, will host the second and final Test of the England/Bangladesh mini-series, from Friday, June 3.

It heralds the start of a busy month at the Riverside, with the much-awaited visit of world champions Australia for a floodlit one-day international against England on Thursday, June 23.

A crowd limit of 8,000 has been set for the Bangladesh Test, with only a few tickets remaining. To book, call 0191-387 5151.

With extra seating space, the Australia match -the most high-profile fixture at the Riverside since it was created ten years ago -has been a 16,000 sell-out for three weeks.

Work is going on round the clock to complete the Riverside's new £1.7m media centre, at the Finchale end.

It will only be in part-use during the Test, but it is hoped it will be in full working order for the Australia game.

Police are also finalising match plans, with up to 40 officers, community support officers and specials patrolling the ground during the Test.

They hope to ensure a free-flow of traffic, deter car thieves and pickpockets and deal with crowd safety problems. Club stewards will mainly deter pitch incursions and enforce an alcohol ban in the ground.

Motorists leaving the A1(M) are asked to use the inside lane of the A167 on Park Road, approaching the Ropery Lane junction. Parking for 3,000 vehicles is available near the ground, and restrictions in nearby streets will be enforced.