PEOPLE were given the chance to experience the thrills of jet-skiing at the weekend.

Families lined the banks of the River Tees to watch The 2003 Jetski National Championships, which were taking place at the Tees Barrage, in Stockton.

Some of the sport's top competitors were on hand, and the event featured stunts and races.

The event was rounded off with a presentation of awards last night.

Alan Slater, British Waterways manager for the river, said: "The River Tees is an ideal venue for all watersports. We were very pleased to welcome back the jet-ski championships to the waterway.

"Everyone had an enjoyable time, as well as soaking up the atmosphere on one of the loveliest riverbanks in the North of England."