THE grainy black and white film of Sir Garfield Sobers striking a record six sixes in one over in 1968 shows one of sport's greatest moments.

But a young North-East batsman has now emulated the legendary West Indian's feat at the age of 17.

Chris Pringle sent the ball flying over the boundary an amazing seven times, six of them from consecutive balls.

He chalked up 123 runs during his remarkable innings as his side - Silksworth Under-18s - romped to victory over their arch-rivals Ryhope in a 20-over Durham Coast League match.

Chris, who lives near the Silksworth ground, reckons he has had a bad batting season, but he really came into a purple patch of form.

The opposition players could only watch in dismay as ball after ball sailed out of reach to notch up another maximum score.

Chris, who works for a security systems firm, said: "I have scored two hundreds before, but I have never hit that many sixes.

"I haven't a clue how it happened. I haven't been batting very well at all."

Chris, who is also a member of the club's first team, played for Durham County Under-16s last year.

Club chairman George Cockburn said: "He hit one six towards the end of one over and then he came back for the next over and hit consecutive sixes.

"Sir Garfield Sobers did it for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan, but I have watched local cricket for years and I can't remember anybody doing it before. It is quite a remarkable feat.

"Chris is an outstanding cricketer and he is a very good bowler as well.

"We are very proud of his achievement. He will be getting a special presentation at the end of the season.''