A North-East hockey team are officially the best in the country after destroying the opposition at two prestigious National competitions.

In the space of a few weeks the Durham Destroyers lived up to their name as they took on all-comers at an international tournament held in Wigan and then fought their way to a memorable victory at the Great Britain Hockey Inline Championships in Wales. Playing inline hockey, which means the players wear roller-blades, Durham have been the dominant force in the region over recent years - winning the North-East League for five consecutive seasons - but their recent triumphs away from home have provided their proudest moments.

Amongst the inline hockey fraternity the Wigan tournament, hosted by Wigan Werewolves, has become a highly-regarded competition with teams from around the country and from across Europe accepting invitations to compete. Durham - led by Tom Smith MBE and captained by Anthony Parkin - took the crown for the first time by beating the Dutch Mustangs who are one of the top teams from Holland, where the sport is much bigger.

But Durham are even more delighted with their victory in the GB Hockey Inline Championships, held in Deesside, north Wales. Not only did they beat their contemporaries from around the country, but avenging a bitter defeat to Blackpool on the way to the final made the tournament success all the more sweeter.

They marched through the group stages with three consecutive wins before facing Blackpool, who dumped Durham out of the same competition two years ago but there was to be no repeat as the Destroyers defeated their old foes, 5-3. Their semi saw them paired with a side from Nottingham, a hotbed for the sport, but Durham dispatched them with a 7-1 victory which eased them into a final showdown against Nottingham's Roller Snakes.

Going into the break the match was tight at 3-3 goals each, but Durham surged ahead to take the title at the Deeside venue with a final score of 8-3.

Proud Tom, who became an MBE in 1989 for his work in the Forces, said: "We were taking on teams from around the country, including teams from Nottingham and London who are all very strong.

"So we have done very well to win these trophies, it's a great achievement for us," said Tom, who explained inline hockey is "like ice hockey but on wheels. It's indoors, it's physical, fast and can be a very bruising sport".

He thanked Anthony Parkin, part of the original team from 1991, who, along with Simon Hehir and Paul Watson (both Great Britain players) for their parts in Durham's success. Particular thanks go to Emma Gourley for being the first woman to win a National Champions Medal while net-minder Neal Seccombe, came in for particular praise.

Tom said: "Neal had an outstanding tournament, he really was excellent. He only conceded eight goals in seven games and notched up two shutouts - an outstanding achievement by any standards."

Next in Durham's sights is the European Invitational Championships which are taking place in France in October, but before confirming their entry in the competition, the Destroyers, who feature an apprentice, a plumber and a policeman amongst their ranks, need to ensure they have enough financial backing.

They require any interested local businesses to help out while anybody who could assist with transport and equipment are also invited to help. Ring Tom on 079600 78461.