WORKERS from some of the region's leading firms have taken the chance to scrum down with North-East rugby stars.

Thirty employees from companies including Sage, British Airways, Sunderland Arc and Accenture, trained with Newcastle Falcons at their home in Kingston Park.

The training session aimed to get the workers - selected from hundreds of applicants - ready for the UK and Ireland Corporate Games, to be held on Tyneside this summer.

Esther Nicholls, director of participation for the games, said: "It was a great opportunity to train alongside the world's best in one of our most competitive and enjoyable sports in the games.

"Winners not only benefited from the professional guidance the Falcons gave, but were able to use the great facilities at Kingston Park. It was also a super event to boost team spirit."

More than 6,000 athletes from over 300 organisations are expected to compete in 23 events at the games, which take place over the weekend of June 25 to June 27.

Visit the website www.corporate-games.com for more information. The entry deadline for the games is May 26.