THE Ashes arrive in the North-East next week with one Sky Sports presenter not taking any risks when it comes to the hospitality on offer at the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground.
Durham chiefs are expecting former England captain, David Gower, who fronts Sky's international cricket coverage alongside David 'Bumble' Lloyd and Andrew Strauss, to arrive at the Chester-le-Street ground with his very own coffee machine in tow.
Apparently, the former batsman doesn't like to bank on the coffee served up at grounds across the country, instead choosing to take his own everywhere he goes.
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TO get into the Ashes spirit, Chester-le-Street's Market Place is set to be turned into a beach carnival to welcome the 80,000 fans arriving to watch England take on Australia in the fourth Test.
Six tonnes of sand, giant deckchairs, sand sculptures and seaside entertainment will be drafted in with the carnival atmosphere stretching from the town centre to Riverside Park.
Live music, stilt walkers, face painting, Punch and Judy, vintage cars displays and street theatre will also be around to provide entertainment.
It has all been organised by Chester-le-Street and District Area Action Partnership (AAP), Durham County Cricket Club and the local Business Association.
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AS a warm-up to the Chester-le-Street Test, Steve Harmison's benefit committee will be hosting an Ashes Dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead on Tuesday night.
Harmison, who helped England claim two Ashes series victories, will be the guest of honour, along with former England team-mate Andrew Flintoff and Australia head coach Darren Lehmann.
Harmison's benefit year is supporting two charities - the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and the PCA Benevolent Fund.
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SHAUN HARVEY has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Football League.
Harvey joins the Football League board from Leeds United, where he served as chief executive for nine years prior to standing down earlier this month.
Prior to his time at Elland Road, Harvey was managing director of Bradford City for ten years, having originally begun his career in football as club secretary of Scarborough in 1993.
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