FAMILY favourite Monopoly has taken on a local twist with the Riverside stadium taking over Mayfair's top spot on the board game.

And The Northern Echo even gets in on the game with its name being used on one of the Chance squares.

Earlier this year, the Middlesbrough public were asked to vote for their favourite sights to take a place on the customised board game.

Some of the distinctive landmarks to make the grade are the Transporter Bridge, Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, the Bottle of Notes and the Club Bongo International.

The game's makers came up with the idea after the town's football club reached the final of the Uefa Cup, only to lose 4-0 to Seville.

The self-proclaimed "small town in Europe" was chosen ahead of big city rivals, including Sheffield, Cardiff and Belfast, after it was put on the map at the end of last season.

The glorious failure at the Uefa final in Eindhoven and falling at the semi-final stage of the FA Cup means the town passed Go in the eyes of the makers of the game.

Dave Allan, a spokesman for Middlesbrough Football Club, said: "It proves that the football club is at the heart of the community. We were delighted to top the poll and I am sure the people in the town will take the game to their hearts."

Councillor David Budd, executive member for regeneration at Middlesbrough Council, said: "It is a bit of fun really, but it shows that the town is on the up.

"There are plenty of landmarks in the town that are ideal for the board game, including our three flagship parks. I am sure it will be a big hit in the run-up to Christmas.

"It is good that the well-known Club Bongo International made it on; everyone in the town knows where it is."

The Middlesbrough edition creator, Mark Marriott, of Winning Moves UK, said "It is vital the new board reflected the hearts and minds of Middlesbrough and the length and breadth of the town.

"That was why we polled the people who know best - the great Middlesbrough public."

Stores stocking the new game include Debenhams, WH Smiths, Woolworths, Toys R Us, Waterstones, Border and other leading toy, game and book stores.

The limited edition costs £24.99 and can also be bought at www.winningmoves.co.u