OFFICIALS have high hopes that Chester-le-Street's economy is set to receive a massive boost from the North-East's first ever Test match next year.

The eyes of the world will be on the town in June, when England play Zimbabwe at the Riverside stadium during the five day fixture.

The stadium has made history by becoming the first new venue for England Test matches since Edgbaston in 1902. Test match status and its debut match is likely to have an enormous impact.

It is predicted that the match will bring in an extra £250,000 in revenue for Durham County Cricket Club and provide a massive boost for the local economy.

Tickets are now on sale and club chairman Bill Midgley says many people are planning to spend several days in the region. He said the knock-on effect of the national and international media attention generated by the match and from tourists will also benefit the area for a long time.

He said: "We get five days of television and radio coverage, not just in this country, but in many parts of the world. Hotels and restaurants will do very well, substantial amounts of money will be spent around the area.

"We've already sold about ten per cent of tickets, mainly for the first three days, so people are planning more than a one-day visit and a fair number will be staying in the area.

"Hopefully once these people have been to the North-East, they will come back again."

Mick Waterson, chief executive of Chester-le-Street District Council, said: "Playing host to an international Test match is a feather in the cap of not only Chester-le-Street, but the entire region."

Durham County Cricket Club's Riverside Stadium has already proved it can attract large capacity crowds.

A one-day international at the ground this year, when England played India, was attended by a record crowd of 17,000.

Mr Midgley encouraged North-Easterners to again show their support for June's match.

He said: "Test match cricket in the North-East of England is good for sport and for the prestige of the region. 2003 is only the start and we hope to see cricket played at the highest levels at the Riverside in succeeding years.

"This depends upon the support of the North-East who have turned out in large numbers in the past and I trust will show up again with similar levels of support and encouragement of English cricket."

* Tickets cost £24 for adults for the first four days and under-16s can buy tickets for the first three days for £10 and £5 for the Sunday. To book call the club on (0191) 387 5151.