THRASHING New Zealand’s bowlers around Lords, Ben Stokes’ belligerence was yet another reminder of the North-East’s cricketing prowess.

The all-rounder’s first innings 92 wasn’t the first time, and certainly won’t be the last, that a Durham player excels on the international stage.

The side has always had a relationship with the sport’s elite, from successes as a minor county against Yorkshire in 1973, to luring greats such as Sir Ian Botham to the region and winning championship titles.

Those all-conquering minor county days included a 1987 televised game when Middlesex, and England captain Mike Gatting, came to town for a Natwest Trophy one-day encounter.

Waiting for them, was pace bowler Steven Ward.

Records show he bowled six overs in the game, sending down three maidens to concede only 13 runs, as Gatting struck an unbeaten 45 to lead his side to victory.

Mr Ward, from Horden, near Peterlee, said: “The game was down at Feethams, in Darlington, and they had a lot of big names playing for them; Mike Gatting, Angus Fraser, Paul Downton and John Emburey to name a few.

“It was on TV, which was great, and it was really good to test myself against those types of players.”

Durham’s performances later earned it first-class status, but Mr Ward, who initially earned a summer contract, didn’t become an long-standing part of the county circuit grind.

He added: “It was my decision to end it, I was 32 and age was catching up with me.”

Instead, his attentions switched to business, and he’s now managing director at Profound Group, based in Peterlee, east Durham.

Founded in 2006, Profound is a training and employment agency, and is known for backing Sunderland AFC’s Foundation for Light charity, which helps ready people for employment.

Focused on apprenticeships and work-based learning programmes, Profound offers careers education and guidance for schools nationwide, and the business also includes Northern Care Training, which it bought in September 2011, to deliver a specialist health and social care division.

It has now launched Conquest Training too, to support high-risk industrial work, by helping people faced with confined spaces and heights.

But, says Mr Ward, he has no intention of stopping there, and has plans for international expansion.

“I started in a small back bedroom with my two sons”, he added.

“The idea then was to recruit taxi drivers both locally and from across Europe and bring them into careers in the North-East.

“We now have more than 80 staff and three companies.

“But we are on the threshold of entering international markets in Dubai and Hong Kong.

“We are looking at the taxi side again, but also the customer service and hospitality side because of all the hotels and restaurants out there.

"Also, because I'm a local lad, I'm looking to get involved with the Peterlee Business Park group and put something back into the community."

See tomorrow's Jobs and Business supplement for more on Conquest Training.

Favourite North-East building and why? Profound House. I still can’t believe I own it and why/how.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? £17 per week. I was a runner for the machinists in Charnos' clothing factory, in Peterlee.

What is the worst job you've had? A milk round, in Peterlee, for three years. I worked during my school years and was forever tired.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? A red hot curry.

What would your superpower be? Tenacity. Get knocked down seven times but stand up eight.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party: My father, who passed away in 1993, Sir Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Arthur Scargill and JFK.Oops, that’s five.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much? A watch for my wife. £3,700.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? Don’t use Twitter; I'm too old fashioned.

Favourite book? Plain Words, by Sir Ernest Gowers.

When did you last cry? Last time I watched Sunderland play.

What is your greatest achievement? Raising my family with strong values, morals and ethics.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given? Be suspicious of everyone and make sure they earn your trust.

Favourite animal and why? Monkeys. Always on the move and never stop climbing.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? Kevin Ball - Sunderland AFC.

What was the last band you saw live? I don’t take to live music - Wet, Wet, Wet in the 1980s.

Describe your perfect night in: A hot spicy Indian curry and blockbuster movie.

In another life I would be... A professional footballer with a World Cup winner’s medal.

Who would play you in a film of your life? Rocky Balboa.

What irritates you? People who say it can’t be done.

What's your secret talent? Former Durham county cricketer.