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THE region's first cricket club for the blind and partially sighted has been launched.

The North-East Eagles VICC is aimed at the estimated 7,000 visually-impaired people aged five to 65 in the region.

Organisers hope to set up a network of groups taking part in coaching sessions and games across the North-East.

Plans to set up a visuallyimpaired team to take on other regions and counties have also been discussed.

Ian Leather, development manager for the North Visually- Impaired Cricket Board, said: "We're trying to drive up the participation of visuallyimpaired cricket right across the north of England.

"In the South, it is wellfunded with excellent transport links, but we don't have that in the North.

"It's a grassroots sport that has been neglected here and we are trying to address that issue."

The launch was held at Belmont Cricket Club, in Durham.

The event was co-ordinated by John Holland, from Northern Universities Sports Club - Community Cricketers Elite.

Participants of all ages took part in a taster session in the morning. After lunch, the Eagles took on a select XI, chosen from students and guests of the mayor, Grenville Holland, father of John.

Instead of a hard cork and leather ball, players use a mini-football filled with ball bearings that makes a sound when thrown.

John Holland said: "You have to listen for the ball - it's a different skill and it is quite hard. A lot of people have seen the adverts, come along and are now interested in playing.

"The North-East is the only area in the country without a cricket club for the visuallyimpaired, so the idea is to start a club and for them to get into the county championship for blind cricket."

The launch day was sponsored by Hilton Newcastle Gateshead. Money raised during the event was donated to the mayor's charity appeal.

Any visually-impaired children and adults wanting to join the North-East Eagles should call Ian Leather on 01477-533817 or 07738-478364.

Alternatively, send an email to ileathervicnorth@yahoo.

co.uk

7:31am Tuesday 15th July 2008

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