A unique basketball opportunity comes to the north-east this week in the shape of the first Qualifying Round of the XV European Basketball Championships for Cadette Women.

The competition will take the form of a tournament between four countries; England, Belgium, Finland and Spain and it is unique in that this is the first time that a European Cadette Tournament has ever been played in England. It therefore comes without saying that it is a great honour, not just for the north-east of England, but for Peterlee to have been chosen to stage such an event.

The Tournament will take place at the Easington District Leisure Centre in Peterlee.

The schedule of games is: Friday 26th July 4.00 p.m. England v Spain and 6.30pm. Belgium v Finland.

Saturday 27th July 4.00 p.m. England v Belgium and 6.15 p.m. Spain v Finland.

Sunday July 28 4.00pm England v Finland and 6-15 p.m. Spain v Belgium

There will also be an opening ceremony at 5.45pm tonight and a closing ceremony at 6.15pm on Sunday.

There is a local connection. One of the girls selected to play for England comes from the north-east of England. She is Chantelle Handy who plays for Tyne and Wear Cadettes in the Durham Basketball League.

The Tournament is taking place in Peterlee because of the special relationship between East Durham and Houghall Community College, who have sponsored the event, and Easington District Council, who will stage the event at the Leisure Centre. Entry costs £1 for adults and 50p for students and OAPs.