THE North-East could soon have its first curling rink if there is sufficient demand, a council has said.

Stockton Borough Council this week revealed its proposals for a new leisure centre in Billingham - including an ice-skating rink - which is due to be completed when the Forum is knocked down in 2004.

It is being predicted that about £6m could be invested in curling nationally after the British team swept their way to a gold medal in the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City last week.

The success could spark a boom of curling rinks being built across the country.

A spokesman for Stockton council said: "The Forum hasn't had any inquiries about curling yet but, if there is a lot of demand, a curling rink could be incorporated into the new leisure facilities at Billingham."

The English Curling Association has been flooded with inquiries from the public since Thursday, asking where they can play the sport.

At present, there are no curling rinks in England, and only one south of Scotland, in Deeside, north Wales.

Grants for more rinks could come from Sport England and the World Curling Federation.

Plans for the leisure and learning centre in Billingham, which at present do not include a curling rink, are on display in the town until next week.

An ice rink and swimming pool are in the plans, along with a modern library, a four-lane bowls hall, a climbing wall, and an exhibition space.

The library will have extended opening hours, access to computers and the Internet, and an advice area for training, education and employment.

The plans are on display at the Billingham Regeneration Partnership Office until Thursday. For more information visit www.stockton-bc.gov.uk.