LARGE crowds enjoyed a feast of international hockey in the North-East at the weekend.

The European Girls International Hockey Championships was held at the University of Durham's Graham Sports Centre, in Durham City.

Eight sides from England, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain contested the under-16 and under-18 competitions.

The tournament was organised by a partnership of the University of Durham Sporting Club, Durham Sport and Durham City Council in association with England Hockey.

England Hockey president Ian Forster said: "I think the tournament has been a great success.

"It is nice to see international hockey come to the North-East and I hope to see more tournament successes here.

"What has been the most significant of all is the tremendous support we have had from people in the North-East."

Lyn Dobison, of Durham Sport, said: "We are looking here at the future stars - players who could compete in the 2012 Olym-pics."

Among the North-East players were Hanna Baker, 17, of Crook, County Durham, who plays for the Sunderland Hockey Club.

The under-16 finals were won by Netherlands, who beat Germany 5-1. England triumphed in the under-18s.

The score remained at 1-1 when the final whistle blew, but they went to strokes to win.

England under-21s beat Germany 2-1, taking the series 3-1 overall.