First established in 1928, the Cup, will be played for again this season after a break because of the foot-and-mouth problems last year. The games will again be played at Wolsingham School and Community College thanks to the donation of a new plastic wicket.

The Durham Cricket Board in conjunction with Nat. West, The England and Wales Cricket Board, The Cricket Foundation and The Lottery Fund have combined to provide a Flicx Pitch for the competition. There was a danger of no cricket being played in Weardale this year due to the loss of the pitch at Eastgate Cement Works.

The Durham Cricket Board have allocated a Flicx Pitch under the 'Improving our surfaces' scheme to the George Mann Cup competition to be based at Woolsingham School and therefore also used by the children. A student at the school, as part of their studies, is producing the competition brochure.

This season ten teams will compete in two leagues, starting on 13 May and ending with the final on Sunday 14 July. The teams In League A are Wolsingham Club, Tow Law Black Horse, Wolsingham Sixth Form, Sunniside Comedian and Wolsingham Mill Race. The teams in League B are Wolsingham All Stars, Weardale Steel, Wolsingham teachers, Stanhope All Stars and Eastgate Cross Keys.

The official presentation of the Flicx wicket will take place at Wolsingham School and Community College (2pm) on Thursday, May 2.