UNICYCLISTS from across Britain came to the region yesterday for their annual conference.

The three-day event began last night with more than 250 unicyclists holding a unicycle celeidh dance.

Other events to be held at the convention at St Michael's RC Secondary School, in Billingham, will include the British Unicycle Hockey Championships.

The 11th annual convention has been organised by the Stockton Unicycle and Juggling Club and this is the first time it has come to the North-East.

Roger Davies, of Stockton, whose Internet-based unicycle supply business is the largest in Europe, is one of the organisers.

He said: "We've got people coming from the length and breadth of Britain but I'm disappointed we're not getting more. After all, it's only once a year.

"We've organised a few things and I'm looking forward to getting them to cycle over to Guisborough where we can do some mountain riding and have off-road trials on our unicycles.

"My favourite event, though, is the hockey and it's great just to meet up with people and have some laughs."

The convention ends tomorrow evening. Previously, it has been held in Birmingham, Leeds, Cardiff, Edinburgh, North Wales, Kidderminster and Exeter.

Anyone interested in joining the Stockton Unicycle and Juggling Club can call Mr Davies on his work number (01642) 361203.