ONE of Britain's leading sporting figures has given his public backing to a new play written by two of the North-East's most promising playwrights.

John Francome - the former National Hunt champion jockey who is now a Channel 4 television presenter - recommended viewers of the racing programme Morning Line on Saturday to attend the play, Good To Firm.

The comedy, which has a horse-racing backdrop, is to be performed at the Customs House, South Shields, South Tyneside, from Wednesday to Saturday, June 5 to June 8.

Francome, who is also a successful novelist, has asked for a video of the play co-written by Ed Waugh.

Mr Waugh said: "We have had letters of support from Kevin Keegan and Peter Reid, which is fantastic, but to get a phone call from John Francome wishing us luck and offering to mention the play on air is brilliant."

Tickets cost £7 and £5 concessions. Contact the box office on 0191-454 1234.