THERE will be another high-profile string to County Durham's sporting bow this autumn after Durham Wildcats were accepted into the British Basketball League.

Having spent last season in the National League, British basketball's equivalent of the Championship, the Wildcats' application to join the BBL was accepted yesterday.

As a result, they will be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Newcastle Eagles when the new season begins in September.

The news is a major endorsement of the Wildcats, who were only formed in 2005 and play their home games at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre, and a significant shot in the arm for sport in County Durham.

Apart from Durham County Cricket Club and Darlington FC, there have been no other professional sides in the county since Durham Wasps ice hockey club was disbanded in 1996.

"We see this as a really big day for County Durham," said Wildcats chairman Quentin Sloper. "There's no professional football club in Durham itself and, apart from the cricket club, there's not really a sports club that the county can call its own.

"We're hoping to fill that gap. We have strong links with the university and council in Durham city, we play our home games in Newton Aycliffe, and we're hoping to build community links with schools and organisations right across the county.

"We submitted a detailed set of plans to the BBL and were hopeful that our bid would be successful. Now, we can't wait to get the ball rolling towards that first game in September."

Last season, Durham were attracting crowds of 300-400 to their Newton Aycliffe base. With the increased exposure provided by Sky Television's coverage of the BBL, they are hoping to double that figure next season, with the derby matches against Newcastle potentially pulling in a four-figure attendance.

Much will depend on how competitive the Wildcats are in their first season in the top-flight, and club officials are already pursuing potential signings both at home and abroad.

Durham had representatives at this month's NCAA play-offs, where the cream of America's college talent went head-to-head for the national title.

With the support of Durham University, the Wildcats are hoping to recruit three or four talented scholars who will combine a Masters degree at the University with a season on the BBL courts.

"We're already a fair way along that road, and we'll definitely be looking to have three overseas players from the States," said Sloper. "We've spoken to a few people, and they've all been very positive about the possibility of coming over to live in Durham. We're targeting players who are involved with some of the leading colleges in the States.

"Those players will obviously be backed up by the core of the squad that did well for us last season, and I'm confident some of those guys will excel at a higher level.

"We're not going into this with our eyes closed and I expect next year to be a learning curve. I'd expect us to get better as the year goes along. Then two or three years down the line, I'd expect us to be competing rather than simply being competitive."

Yesterday's developments have been welcomed both inside and outside the sport.

BBL chairman Paul Blake said: "We are delighted to welcome the Durham Wildcats to the BBL. Their community ethos aligns perfectly to the BBL's own strategy, and they have all the key ingredients to build a successful BBL franchise."

Durham County Council leader Simon Henig added: "This is tremendous news for Durham and a great vote of confidence for the club. I would like to congratulate everyone involved.

"We are committed to encouraging sport throughout the county and will be supporting the club as it continues to grow. We wish them every success in the forthcoming season and beyond."