A LEADING referee says a new generation of North-East whistle-blowers is destined to make the big time.

That is Jeff Winter's prediction after 15 teenagers passed a pioneering training course for football referees.

He says they have potential to be Premiership officials.

Stockton-born Mr Winter supervised the course, organised by Middlesbrough Football Club, the North Riding Football Association and the Football Association.

Training was carried out at the Boro's Referees Training School at Eston, Middlesbrough, and Mr Winter will now allocate matches where the youngsters, who are aged between 14 and 18, can gain practical experience.

He said: "We were delighted with the response from local youngsters and the training school has been a success."

The 15 were presented with certificates last night.

Mr Winter said: "The standard of students at the exams has been very good thanks to the hard work of John Campbell and his instructors."

David Parnaby, director of the Eston academy, said: "The growth of interest in football, which has seen a huge rise in the number of clubs in England, has not been matched by the number of officials coming into the game.

"This course has provided youngsters with a genuine chance to become a professional referee, and the earlier you start, the more likely you are to become one of the elite, travelling the world and taking charge of the top games."