THE North-East has failed in its bid to stage an Ashes test match at Durham County Cricket ground.

The Chester-le-Street ground was in the running to stage a game during the 2009 Ashes series against Australia.

But the region's cricket fans are facing disappointment after the England and Wales Cricket Board announced today that Durham had lost out to Glamorgan's ground in Cardiff even though the Welsh stadium is still awaiting redevelopment.