WHILE Durham were on their travels ending the winning run of one-day cricket kings Gloucestershire, potential county stars of the future were in the limelight at the Riverside.

Around 100 children from schools in County Durham, Cleveland, North Yorkshire and Tyne and Wear took part in a festival of schools cricket at the headquarters of Durham County Cricket Club.

Those who braved the showers witnessed a feast of runs, wickets and sporting talent.

Highlight of the festival was The Northern Echo/Local Heroes Under-15s Cricket Cup.

Boldon Comprehensive, from South Tyneside, were the winners, repeating their 1995 success in The Northern Echo sponsored competition.

Colin Tapping, deputy editor of The Northern Echo, said the cup competition had been a fantastic success, attracting entries from 47 schools across the country.

"The number of entries has shown that the level of interest in schools cricket is not waning, as many have perceived.

"Cricket at schools remains an important part of the curriculum and is growing in importance.

"Not only are children playing in greater numbers, but standards, as we have seen from the quality of play at the festival, are improving all the time.

"All the games were played very competitively, but also in a wonderful spirit."

Chartwells, the school meals provider, supplied lunches for the young players. Northern Rock donated prize money for The Northern Echo/Local Heroes competition.