A SHADOW hangs over next month's other big sporting event in the region.

Durham's Riverside ground at Chester-le-Street stages the second Test of Zimbabwe's controversial cricket tour of England, from June 5 to 9.

But pro-democracy campaigners have threatened to protest during the tour against the human rights record of Zimbabwe's ruler, Robert Mugabe.

Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, a leading figure in the anti-Mugabe movement, has threatened to use "hit-and-run tactics" to disrupt matches.

As the Zimbabwe team flew in to England yesterday, former captain Andy Flower - who wore a black armband during the World Cup in protest at Mugabe - urged people to take the opportunity to demonstrate against the regime.

Durham County Cricket Club chairman Bill Midgley said last night he would not object to a "sensible protest", but urged demonstrators not to disrupt matches.

"We're aware of the issues involved and we will take appropriate measures that we feel necessary so people can enjoy the cricket," he said. "Anything else is a matter for the police.

"I'm sure it would be met with anger if a small number of people took any action to disrupt the match."