THE eyes of the cricketing world will focus on Durham this weekend as the county prepares for its biggest ever sporting fixture.

England play their first international at the Riverside ground on Saturday when they entertain the West Indies, followed on Sunday by a game between the Caribbean side and Zimbabwe.

The Chester-le-Street ground hosted two world cup matches last year - neither of which involved England, but still managed to attract crowds of up to 8,000.

A full-house of 16,000 is expected on Saturday's match, which starts at 10.45am. About 90 police officers will be on duty, along with up to 160 stewards.

Chief Inspector Jamie McAloon said: "This is easily the biggest sporting event Durham Constabulary has had to prepare for in the past 25 years.

"It's a very important occasion which puts Durham right in the shop window.

"People coming to the matches, especially on Saturday, can help by setting off in good time and heading for the designated car parks, which will be clearly sign-posted. But if you're not watching the cricket, it would be advisable to avoid the Riverside area completely."

There will be 3,300 spaces in the area's south car parks and 2,000 in the north car parks. An overflow car park at Park View Community School is also available.

Peak traffic flows are expected after Saturday's match and a section of the B1284 between the Ropery Lane and stadium roundabouts will be closed to allow cricket traffic to leave.

A smaller crowd is expected for the West Indies v Zimbabwe game, but similar traffic and parking arrangements will be in place.