AN invitation to the world youth table tennis championships in Hungary has thrilled an up-and-coming Darlington team.

The youngsters, aged between ten and 15, are due to fly out on June 11 with coach Keith Wilson.

He said: "The Darlington Table Tennis Club is probably the biggest in England anyway and because of that we got an invitation to the championships.

"There will be 45 nations - including China, Korea and countries from South America - taking part in Tiszaujvaros, which is a massive sports town.

"It is a great opportunity for the kids to meet people from another country. There are opportunities for some coaching and socialising.

"We went out two seasons ago and the team came back with e-mail addresses all over the world.

"We have been raising funds since October last year to get the money to go out and compete against the best in the world. We have to raise £13,000 to take us out and we are still not sure whether we are going to fall short or not."

Mr Wilson, a professional coach, said: "The club started in 1988 with one table in Sadberge village hall and no children.

"Now the men's team plays in Europe, which was one of the reasons we got the invitation, and the juniors are getting so good now. We are laying a good foundation for the club's future."

Any businesses who would like to help with sponsorship for the team should telephone Mr Wilson on 07889 514154 as soon as possible.