Entertainments reporter Tegan Chapman did just that, when she tested out the latest craze for adrenalin junkies across Northumberland - sphereing.

SphereMania at Derwent Reservoir is the only place in the north east that caters for the thrill-seekers of the region who want to travel down a steep hill in a 34-stone hamster ball.

There are two ways to sphere - the hardcore spherers can be strapped into a harness inside the ball, so when the ball rolls down the hill they end up going head over heels as the ball goes down.

Then there's aqua sphereing - the more sedate way to travel.

Here the spherers are loose in the bottom of the ball which is partially filled with water before being pushed down the hill - rather like a washing mashine spin cycle.

Operations director of SphereMania north east Hedley Smith said the craze hit the region in July and looks set to overtake traditional thrill-seeking sports such as bungee-jumping.

For more information about sphereing contact SphereMania on (01434) 673100 or visit www.spheremania.co.uk