ASHES fever gripped the region yesterday as huge swathes of the population did their best to follow the historic events at the Oval.

Work was disrupted throughout the North-East and North Yorkshire as those unlucky to be on duty tried to follow England's progress.

Business frequently came to a halt during key moments as staff tried to get a glimpse of the action on the nearest available television and radio sets.

But most were back home or viewing the small screen enjoying a post-work pint by the time umpire Rudy Koertzen lifted the bails to signal the England Ashes victory, at 6.15pm.

Nowhere was excitement higher than in the offices at Durham County Cricket Club's Riverside ground, in Chester-le-Street.

The prominent role of Durham players Steve Harmison and Paul Collingwood in the England team, plus the brief, but controversial appearances of sub-fielder Gary Pratt added to the pride in the Riverside workforce.

Receptionist Lesley Bartram, following progress at the Oval on a portable TV alongside her desk, said: "Everyone coming in and going out was asking for the score and delegates in some of the function rooms were crowding round, wanting to see what was going on."

The interest aroused by the series has proved manna from heaven in Durham's commercial and marketing office.

Communications officer Yvette Thompson, who joined colleagues in a huddle round the office TV, said: "It's been fantastic, everyone seems to have taken an interest and it's made even better with Paul and Steve being involved, as well as Gary, who's become a bit of a cult figure."

Club officials are hoping that Collingwood, at least, will be given the all-clear by England to play in the final championship match for Durham starting tomorrow, against Northamptonshire.

Among those avidly following the action at the Oval in Austin's bar, at the Riverside, was Durham life member and director Brian Thubron.

He had to tear himself away from the screen to go and pick up his better half, TV agony aunt Denise Robertson, from Durham station, on her return from London.

Junior development officer for Shotley Bridge Cricket Club Hilary Nesbit, 50, has known Collingwood since he played there as a boy.

She said: "He still comes down as often as he can. He is a brilliant role model for the kids and his success is an aspiration to follow.

"I am sure he will get a couple of pints bought for him the next time he is in."

Cricket fever has also hit Collingwood's former school, Blackfyne Community School, in Consett, County Durham.

Head of PE Jamie Ward said: "The kids have been asking what the score is all day. Cricket has just exploded in popularity and it is because of the success of the England team."

Sports clubs across the region have benefitted from an influx of new players and members as a result of England's performances.

Colin Haslett, of Acklam-based Middlesbrough Cricket Club, said: "We have definitely experienced growing numbers at games. There has also been an increase in the amount of youngsters coming down to the ground for training sessions."

Mike McGuinness, leader of the sports and exercise department at the University of Teesside, said: "It will have a hugely positive effect on the population.

"In sports circles it is known as 'birging' - basking in reflective glory - and it can result in higher productivity at work and a general feeling of elation."

Australians living in the North-East have also been caught up in Ashes fever - even if they have been on the wrong side.

Hartlepool United FC's Adelaide-born striker Joel Porter said: "I am already getting a bit of stick. I think I have come to terms with the loss already. It's come down to the last Test and, unfortunately, the Aussies have been on the wrong end of the drama recently."

Middlesbrough's Australian theme bar, Walkabout, was showing the game yesterday with most punters hoping for an England win.

Even lovers of other sports have been gripped by the cricket.

Golfers rushed to the bar at Bedale Golf Club, North Yorkshire, yesterday to catch up with the latest developments.

Bar manager Ian Welton said: "I've not seen so much enthusiasm for sport since the rugby and football world cups.

"Most of our members love all types of sport and the cricket has caused lots of discussions, and one or two heated arguments, all summer."