TELEVISION personality Keith Chegwin will host the first world championships of a made-in-North Yorkshire throw and catch game.

The GMTV presenter has already proved himself to be a dedicated fan of Rock-It-Ball by lending his name to a special "Cheggers" version of the game which was designed and invented by entrepreneurs Bob Eldridge, of Marishes, near Thornton-le Dale, Dr Paul Hildreth, of Newton-on-Ouse, and Paul Law, of Northallerton.

Using equipment manufactured at McKechnie's in Stamford Bridge, children from hundreds of schools have already adopted it as a new sport, backed by the Youth Sports Trust.

Now Keith will act as master of ceremonies at the inaugural Rock-It-Ball World Cup, at Thornaby Pavilion, near Stockton, Middlesbrough, on June 3.

He will also be running interval games and competitions for the spectators.

The television personality first came into contact with Rock-It-Ball last year when his eight-year-old-son, Ted, tried the game, which involves the use of paddle-like devices with moulded thrower-catchers at each end of a control bar.

He endorsed the product with a special version of his own which he believes will combat childhood obesity.

"The kids get an amazing workout without even realising it, because they are having so much fun. I had to be part of this!"