CRICKET authorities in the North-East aim to build on the euphoria and interest in the sport in the wake of England's Ashes success.

Durham's cricket development officers, Nick Brown and Graeme Weeks, said their phones had not stopped ringing in their office at the county's Riverside ground at Chester-le-Street, since England won the series.

Durham is one of 12 counties chosen to lead the multi-million pound Chance to Shine initiative, launched this year by the Cricket Foundation, the sport's charitable division.

Backed by Durham Cricket Board and the county cricket club, it aims to unearth the next generation of Flintoffs and Pietersens.

Because Durham is home to two of the England side's players, Steve Harmison and Paul Collingwood, with a notable part played by substitute fielder Gary Pratt, there is an obvious pool of talent in the region waiting to be honed. Mr Brown said: "It was only launched in February and we chose Seaton Carew as our pilot club this year, developing coaching and staging cricket festivals involving up to 500 kids in surrounding schools.

"Of those, they have 15 players of good potential now signed up as fully fledged junior members."

The pair work with the county's women's development office, Pauline Peel, who expects her workload to increase after England's women's team also won their Ashes series.

To find out about cricketing opportunities, call (07768) 552644.