RISING cricket stars from across the region graced the Riverside Ground, at Chester-le-Street, this week - just ten days after England did battle with India on the same pitch.

On Monday more than 100 school youngsters took part in Festival Finals' day at the world's newest Test match venue.

The highlight of the day was the culmination of The Northern Echo/Local Heroes Under 15s Schools Cricket Cup.

Castle View lifted the trophy with Christopher Allen, and his impressive 70 not out, leading the Sunderland school to an eight wickets victory over Seaham School of Technology.

Castle View had earlier overcome Egglescliffe in their semi-final, while Seaham had to defeat Northfield.

There was a tremendous encounter at Under 12 level in the Calypso Cup.

Bow claimed victory over their Whitburn counterparts - but it was a tough contest.

The winners recorded 119 all out - with Nick Shaw, 37, starring - and they restricted Whitburn to 114.

However, Bow were unable to make it a double as their U13s were humbled by an on song Farringdon in the Cyril Wood Trophy.

Farringdon, who had beaten Framwellgate Moor in their semi-final match-up, bowled Bow all out for 84 and then set about their task in hand quickly.

And it was not long into their 30 overs tie that Farringdon reached 87 and with that they claimed the North-East title.

In the other age group, the Under 14s, Egglescliffe and Hetton did battle in the Lord Taverners Cup.

Again, this was an entertaining match with Hetton just doing enough to edge out their opponents.

Egglescliffe were bowled out for 77 before Hetton got to the crease and recorded 79 for 6.

It was a successful day and one that will stick in the young cricketers' minds for years to come. And Colin Tapping, deputy editor of The Northern Echo, praised the high standard of play and thanked everyone involved.

Mr Tapping said: "The commitment of the schools, the teachers and the children has been first-class. Our thanks go to Northern Rock and Scolarest (Sponsors of the event) for their support for the festival.

"Who knows, some of the players may be starring at the Riverside once again in years to come."