NEWS of the government allowing recreational sport to resume from March 29th has been welcomed by several organisations in the Tyne Valley.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled a four-step plan to bring the country out of lockdown in a press conference on Monday evening, with outdoor sports facilities including basketball and tennis courts also allowed to reopen from that date as part of the plans.

Although specific details around how different events will be allowed to operate have yet to be confirmed, indivituals involved with a number of sports have all welcomed the news.

“Obviously we’re delighted with the announcement,” said Colin Walker, secretary and treasurer of the West Tyne Cricket League.

“We’re hoping to get the season started on the 24th April all being well. The March date give us three or four weeks to get sorted for the new season.

“We need to go through everything with the ECB first, and I think we’ll start with some of the restrictions we had last year, but hopefully we can get something organised.”

His optimism was echoed by Tynedale and Northumberland captain Thomas Cant who added: “It’s great news that we’re seemingly allowed to get our season underway.

“We don’t know much yet about what’s going to happen exactly, but the ECB guidance should be a big help when it’s released.”

Another sport set to return in the region is rugby, although again the exact plans about what will happen remain unclear.

“We welcome Monday’s government announcement that grassroots team sport including community rugby can return on Monday 29 March,” said the RFU in a statement.

“Over the coming weeks, we will work with government to understand the number of players and format of rugby that will be permitted upon our return in both schools and community rugby.”

“When we have clarified these details, and associated travel queries, we will share the Return to Community Rugby Roadmap alongside a step-by-step guide to returning to training and guidance around facilities re-opening.”