TEESSIDE may be known for its great footballers, but in ten years' time it could be an altogether different sport that puts it on the map.

Table tennis has taken off in a big way, and the school at the forefront of the sport has been given national recognition.

In 1999, Northfield School, Billingham, was awarded Sports College status and table tennis was chosen as one of its main sports. A redundant boiler house was converted into a table tennis hall, and a full-time coach was appointed. Now, three years later, its table tennis club won a Premier Club of the Year award.

The school was presented with the award at national sports centre Lilleshall last week. Teacher Steve Burge said: "Many pupils have won competitions at national, county and district level and the school has become a venue for a large number of local table tennis competitions and clubs.

"Table tennis has mushroomed at Northfield and in surrounding schools, and is now taking a grip on the community at large. This award is the culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication."

The school has also set up a table tennis club for adults.