Cricketing stars bat for college.

Byline: By Graeme Whitfield

The North-East's Ashes stars are helping to create an international rush to the North-East for places on a college course in cricket coaching.

Newcastle College has joined with Durham County Cricket Club to launch the course that will see between 20 and 30 foreign students coming to the region each year.

The course, which will begin in January, has already created a massive buzz in Pakistan, where cricket is fervently followed by thousands of fans.

College bosses are also hoping to attract people from Sri Lanka, South Africa and India, and are using some of Durham's international stars ( including Steve Harmison and Paul Collingwood ( to attract students to the North-East.

The college's head of international recruitment Pete Fiaschi said: "We've had massive interest from Pakistan and we're off to Sri Lanka next week.

"It certainly helps that Steve Harmison plays for Durham and we're involved with them. In parts of Pakistan, he's as well known as David Beckham and that's a great aid for our marketing."

The certificate of higher education in cricket coaching is being aimed at students who have experience of playing or coaching cricket and want to further develop their skills.

The one-year programme will cover sports science, psychology, management and administration.

David Harker, chief executive at the cricket club, said: "Durham County Cricket Club is delighted to endorse this fantastic course from Newcastle College.

"We look forward to welcoming students from many countries to the Riverside ground and helping them to develop into cricket coaches of the future while gaining a real qualification."

The course is being validated by Leeds Metropolitan University.