BASKETBALL players from Hartlepool are invited to take part in a national contest.

The New Deal for Communities (NDC) initiative is looking for volunteers aged over-16 to make up a basketball team to represent the area from Hart Lane to Belle Vue.

NDC groups from around the country are putting together teams to take part in a sports tournament at the Forest Recreational Ground in Nottingham on Saturday, June 1.

Louise Anderson, from NDC in Hartlepool, said: "You don't have to be a professional sportsperson to take part - just enthusiastic."

To take part, people need to be living in the Hartlepool NDC area. Free transport to the event will be provided.

For information, contact Ms Anderson on (01429) 866532.