YOUNGSTERS have been testing their cricket skills in a regional heat of a schools competition.

Pupils aged nine to 11 from 12 primary schools, in Hartlepool, took part in the town's heat of the national BBC Kwik Cricket competition. The winners go through to the regional final at the Riverside Stadium, in Chester-le-Street, next month.

Paul Jackson, partnership development manager for the school sport co-ordinator programme in Hartlepool, said: "The kids love the event and have a lot of banter between them. The rules stipulate two girls must be on each team and it is a lot of fun.

"It is just a great event for all the kids."