TOP players from across the country will be in the region this week battling it out in the National Premier Tennis Finals.

Twelve regional winners will be at the David Lloyd Centre, Tees Barrage, Stockton hoping to win the £10,000 prize.

The finals, at noon on Saturday, are part of a weekend of tennis talent featuring players of all abilities and standards.

On Friday, the Tees Valley schools tournament takes place featuring the best primary school players cheered on by 150 youngsters.

And on Sunday, at 2pm, a celebrity charity game in aid of sufferers of motor neurone disease is scheduled.

The match features former Boro player, Gary Pallister, ex-Sunderland boss Peter Reid and ex-Manchester United and England winger Lee Sharpe.

Mike Dixon, league director and organiser, said: "This is the third year of the event with each one going from strength to strength and becoming more popular.

"The David Lloyd Centre is a great venue and this will be a wonderful opportunity to see top UK players live in the game."

Tickets, priced from £5 to £10, are available for both the celebrity match, the finals, and the quarter finals on Friday at 1.45pm and 7.15pm.

l For more information call Dixon on (01845) 578465 or for tickets call (01642) 632100.