IT is six years since the first ball was bowled at the Riverside Ground at Chester-le-Street, heralding the dawn of an exciting new era in North-East sport.

Today marks an historic milestone in the evolution of County Durham as a venue for first-class cricket.

Pakistan versus Scotland last year was an important step, but the enthralling one-day encounter between England and the West Indies today marks the Riverside's coming of age.

For those whose vision and courage led to the creation of a fine sporting arena in a spectacular setting, it is a special day - a day on which they can take immense satisfaction from a job well done.

Durham County Cricket Club is established in the first division of the county championship. There is room for improvement, of course, but the reputation is growing; their dream has become a reality.

With further international stars from Pakistan and Australia scheduled to head north next summer, cricket-lovers in this wonderful part of England have plenty to look forward to.

All that is required now is a stroke of luck with today's weather and an England victory.

But whatever the result, the clear winner will be County Durham. We already know what a beautiful county it is - and first-class cricket is helping to spread that message much further afield.

Our congratulations go out to those who worked so hard to make it all possible.