A BOARD of trustees has been established to develop plans to create a new sports arena in the region.

The Prince Bishop Community Stadium group aims to create proposals for a facility on disused land at Copeland Lane, Evenwood, in County Durham, suitable to disabled and able-bodied users.

The group was set-up following a meeting organised by Richard Wigham last month, who appealed for support in developing the plans, which he has been looking into for two years.

Mr Wigham, who will be group secretary, is joined on the panel by chairman George Dent and treasurer Angela Tookey.

Other volunteers will go onto a working committee.

If successful, it is hoped the facility would provide access to sports including harness racing - with provision for wheelchair users - indoor cricket suitable for winter use, softball, fencing, archery, and activities for disabled sports people.

To help the group start their fundraising, the Ebac group, in Bishop Auckland, has donated a fridge to be raffled.

Volunteers are still being sought to get involved with the initiative and are encouraged to attend the group’s next meeting, which will also be attended by Carl Marshall, from the Durham Rural Development Council.

The meeting takes place at the Eden Arms, in West Auckland, on Tuesday, March 18, at 7.30pm.

Anyone interested in getting involved should call Mr Wigham on 07814-324444 or email: richardmichaelwigham@yahoo.co.uk.

Meanwhile, the North-East Standardbred Association, which promotes harness racing in the region, meets at the Parkhead Hotel, in Coundon, on Wednesday, March 12, at 7.30pm.