A streaker failed to stop four North-East women bowling their way to international status.

The quartet, from Consett Park Bowling Club, County Durham, had to cope with the male exhibitionist during one of their qualifying games.

"It was quite exciting, but it didn't put us off one bit," said team captain Gillian Jones.

The man made his naked run across the green at Royal Leamington Spa, in Warwickshire, as her team-mate, Edna Stokoe, was at a crucial point in her game.

"Edna was just about to bowl," said Mrs Jones. "She didn't see him at first, but there were thousands of women there and they made a huge roar.

"I told her not to look round and to keep going and she bowled brilliant."

Keeping their cool landed the women their first international. They will represent England in a Home Nations contest held in Ireland next June.

"Playing in front of thousands of people was amazing," she said. "Usually at our club, you only get five or six spectators. At Leamington Spa there were 6,000.

"Every bowl you get near the jack wins a massive shout - it was a wonderful experience."

It is only the second time a team from Durham has won the county championships in the history of the contest.

"The last occasion a Durham team won the right to don England kit was more than 40 years ago.

"It is brilliant for us, coming from a little town like Consett and going to represent our country," said Mrs Jones.

She is hoping it is only the start of a brilliant year. She is down to the last eight in the national pairs contest and this weekend travels to the Midlands for the mixed pairs national finals.