Jamie Swales, a former member of the junior team at Derwent Park for Workington Comets, is co-promoter with Championship club Redcar Bears these days.
The son of Tony Swales, who looked after the Workington track for a number of years, is preparing for the Bears first meeting of the season on Friday, March 24.
Redcar will host a Newcastle Diamonds Select side for the Tyne-Tees Trophy as their closest rivals will be absent from league competition this year for the first time since 1996 after ceasing operations at Brough Park midway through last season.
Jamie Swales said: “The Tyne-Tees Trophy has always been a well-supported competition for us, and it seemed the right thing to do in trying to help keep the Newcastle Diamonds name alive.
“Hopefully the Geordie faithful will come out in strength to support what looks to be a really strong team, all of which are former Diamonds favourites. It’s the ideal test for the Bears as they prepare for the campaign ahead.”
Jamie’s brother Jonathan, who used to help his father at Derwent Park, is now the track curator for Redcar.
