BUSINESS leaders are supporting a campaign to bring top-class international cricket to the North.
The North East Chamber of Commerce's Durham committee, which has 700 members, has backed Durham County Cricket Club's Sign The Bat appeal.
The club launched the appeal last month to get public support for its attempt to stage an Ashes Test match at its Riverside ground in Chester-le-Street.
The aim is also to bring other international cricket events to the region over the next five years.
Durham chamber chairman John Mowbray said: "Ever since Durham established a first-class cricket club, it has grown from strength to strength.
"This, in turn, has put the region on the map.
"The Sign The Bat campaign is a tremendous initiative."
Mr Mowbray, of Northumbrian Water, said: "Attracting a world-class event such as an Ashes Test would mean so much to the North-East and would have major business benefits, not least for tourism.
"The North-East is passionate about its sport, is increasingly passionate about its cricket with ambassadors such as Steve Harmison, Paul Collingwood and Liam Plunkett, and would be a beautiful setting for such an important event."
To support the campaign, go to www.signthebat.com
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