SCRABBLE players from all over the country tested their wordpower at the weekend.

And North-East players had reason to celebrate at Durham University's Trevelyan College.

About 80 Scrabble experts from as far afield as Inverness and the Isle of Wight took part in the event, organised by the Association of British Scrabble Players.

Top performer was Paul Allan, of Glasgow, who won nine out of ten games to clinch Division A.

In Division D, Margaret Burdon, of Newcastle, was victorious, while Viv Beckmann, also of Newcastle, took the honours in Division E.

Middlesbrough also enjoyed success as Florence Davies won Division F, and Gwen Linfoot topped Division G.

Association chairman Pete Finley, of Sunderland, said: "At its highest level, Scrabble is a serious business, played by experts who memorise lengthy word lists and travel the length and breadth of the country in search of competitive action."

Mr Finley would like to hear from local companies interested in sponsoring the event. He can be reached on 0191-565 4079.