BUDDING cricketers donned their whites in glorious sunshine at the weekend.

Eight teams gathered at Norton Cricket Club, near Stockton, to compete for the first ever Tees Valley Cup and the £250 prize.

Omar Rashid, a former Pakistan international cricketer, who has also worked with his country's women's team and the men's under 19's squad, was also at the tournament to present the award to the winning team.

The tournament was won by a team from Stockton called Azad Takeaway, who vowed to return next year to defend their title.

Mushtaq Khan, the team's captain, said: "The team was happy to be part of the well organised event and we want to be back to defend out title next year."

A spokesperson for the event said: "The event was a real North-East affair with participation of club professionals from around the region.

"It is about promoting cricket in our region for youngsters and adults, and it is about getting people active through a diversity of sports."