THE COUNTRY'S best young fencers displayed their talents in what for many was a rare visit to the North-East at the weekend.

British Fencing's Durham Centre joined forces with the city's university to step in at the 11th hour to stage the English Junior Championships.

Despite the short notice, organisers were delighted at the success of the event, at Durham University's Graham Sports Centre, at Maiden Castle.

It saw 170 boys and girls take part at under-16 and under-18 level in each of the three fencing disciplines: epee, foil and sabre.

During the hectic early stages, on Saturday, 15 duels were taking place simultaneously in the main sports hall.

Durham fencing centre treasurer Clive Ridsdale said it was the most prestigious event staged by the growing club.

"We have held North-East qualifiers for British Championship, but we have never hosted this event," he said.

"It only became available when the original venue, just north of Oxford, pulled out.

"Luckily the university offered to hold it at short notice and, although it probably restricted the entry in some categories, it has been quite a success."

Mr Ridsdale was a proud father as his 13-year-old daughter, Sophie, a pupil at Durham Johnston School, is expected to have earned an England call-up for the forthcoming international in Wales after finishing second in the under-16 epee.

Other local competitors included Alex Frankland, from Bishopton, and Alex Erskine, Cei Beck and Robert Seymour, from Durham, who each finished seventh or eighth in various categories.