A SERIES of battles took place in the North-East yesterday.

However, the only casualty was pride, as one of the biggest war games exhibitions in the region got under way.

The Spring Offensive 2001 event, in Stockton, Teesside, attracted enthusiasts from throughout the region, who wanted to show off their skills on the battlefield.

People were given the chance to take part in a few of the games and there were also demonstrations to help those who had never played before.

Games players could also buy new soldiers and equipment from a number of stalls that were set up at the Stockton Sports Centre, in Talbot Street.

All the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Freeman Transplant Association.

The exhibition was organised by David Clemmet and Thomas Davidson, both war games and model enthusiasts.

The pair have been staging the offensives for a number of years and said they hoped that the events introduced more people to war games.

Mr Davidson said: "We always hope to attract as many people, especially young people, as possible.

"We think that many more people will get the same level of enjoyment from the hobby as we get if only they had the opportunity to sample it - and this was their chance."