Twelve young ice hockey players have qualified as level one ice hockey referees through a course arranged by Billingham Ice Hockey Club at the Tees Active-managed Billingham Forum.

The group, aged 13-18, had to complete a 6-hour theory session and a written exam before having their skating ability examined and having to officiate an actual game.

Adrian Smith, the Billingham under-18 coach, said: “We have been able to organise this course due to the financial support we have received from the Ropner Trust.

“We now have 12 youngsters qualified to be linesmen for our junior games. This will assist the club financially as the amount of money we pay for officials travelling expenses certainly mounts up over a full season.”