A GROUP of leading table tennis players from China will line up against the best in the North-East.

The mixed team of eight is visiting the region after Hartlepool businessman and keen player Keith Thomas master-minded the nine-day stay. Their aim is to raise the profile of the sport.

Mr Thomas said: "It is tremendous that we have been able to pull the visit off and we have had great support from local businesses and Hartlepool council.

"Hartlepool once had five table tennis leagues, but we are now down to one league of seven teams.

"Hopefully, the visit will help to promote the sport in the area and inspire people to take up the sport."

The players, from Taiyuan in north China, met Mayor Stuart Drummond and borough council vice-chairman David Young before displaying their skills on a table in the council chamber.

Councillor Young said: "It was a privilege to host the table tennis players from China.

"The visit will help to raise the profile of table tennis and it also presents an opportunity to help promote the town far and wide."

The group has also visited Newcastle United Football Club and Durham County Cricket Club and will watch Hartlepool United play Scunthorpe United today.

* Ormesby scored a 26 sets to six victory over the visiting Chinese club at the Unity City Academy, in Middlesbrough, on Saturday.