Hartlepool Marina managers are celebrating after winning the chance to host the Thundercat Racing spectacle at the end of May.

A total of 34 boats will come to Hartlepool from all over the country to compete off Seaton Carew in a series of exciting races.

And marina chiefs hope to find thrill-seeking competitors to fly the flag for Hartlepool as they spearhead efforts to introduce the sport to the North-East.

,Hartlepool Marina director Allan Henderson said: "It is a great new family sport that we are looking to bring to the North-East.

"This competition will be a great spectacle for the Bank Holiday weekend and another shot in the arm for Seaton."

Officials for the sport from Thundercat Racing UK agreed to stage the two-day event in Hartlepool after being won over by the marina's impressive facilities.

Five races will be take place each day on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, with spectators watching from Seaton beach.

The boats will also be moored in Hartlepool marina for the public to see up close.

Thundercat Racing UK praised Hartlepool as a top venue to host the attraction. It said on its website: "The Thundercat UK community will receive a welcome with open arms, as we did the first day we went to the marina.

"In 2010 Hartlepool are hosting the Tall Ships so this marina is definitely a hub of activity."

Marina managers intend to use the event as the springboard for forming a new Thundercat North East club with regular races.

Mr Henderson added: "We thought rather than just have a one off event, why don't we have our own race circuit in the North East?"

The marina will also act as a dealership to supply the £7,500 machines to customers across the whole of the North.

And later this month, thrill-seekers will get the chance to take a spin for fun in a Thundercat around the marina following the delivery of two demo boats earlier this year.