IN an official council list of the 14 most interesting things about Chester-le-Street, there is a 1,000-year gap between 990AD and 1973.

The cynics would say that tells you everything you need to know about the town's national profile.

But the County Durham town's time in the spotlight has finally come, thanks to Peter Lee's now infamous pass and the England versus West Indies one-day international at the Riverside today.

Roads are being swept, hotel vacancy signs are being polished and sandwiches prepared - all in preparation for the weekend for which Chester-le-Street has waited for, for years.

Tony Greensmith, chief executive of Chester-le-Street District Council, said it is a day that cynics thought they would never see. He said: "Once in a while something exciting comes along and this is it for us. Nearly ten years ago, some people had a vision that was laughed at by some - in fact some thought we were complete nut-cases.

"But since then, Durham County Cricket Club has entered the County Championship, moved to the Riverside in 1995, and held World Cup matches last year.

"Now we've got street cleaners working overtime to make sure the town looks its best when the world's cameras are trained on it. The town's pubs are geared up for the game.

"With a 15,000 sell-out for today's match, and our cash registers are ready to take their money."

It's not just the town that's dusting itself down. The Riverside ground has undergone a make-over for its biggest appearance on the world stage.

With 10,000 extra seats, a new press box for 60 journalists, 49,000 pints of beer expected to be sold and a specialist Caribbean chef brought in to add a bit of spice to the traditional cricket fare, the stage is set for a multi-national carnival.

And where is the man arguably most responsible for the town's recent resurgence? Peter Lee is currently enjoying a three-day break in the town that cost him £500,000, courtesy of Durham County Cricket Club? He was invited up by the club, at the suggestion of The Northern Echo, following his appearance on Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

After he was given a mock geography lesson at the strict Victorian school at Beamish Museum, as part of his visit, Peter, a retired naval officer from North Wales, said: "Funnily enough, everyone in my home town of Cardigan said I put them on the map as well. I didn't of course, but I'm delighted that I've finally visited Chester-le-Street.