TRENT Bridge has always been a leading light in cricket.

It has hosted Test matches for more than 100 years and was the first arena to host the Twenty20 finals day, in 2003.

And last night came another proud moment in the venue's proud 170-year history, when it hosted its first match under permanent floodlights, as Notts Outlaws took on Durham Dynamos in the Pro40 League.

The lights, put up with the help of a £600,000 grant from the ECB, were switched on midway through the Durham innings under grey skies.

The 2,000-watt bulbs took six minutes to fire up to full power, marking the final part of an £8.2 million facelift for the world's third-oldest Test ground.

Other improvements include a 3,300-seat stand on the Bridgford Road side that has taken the overall capacity to 17,000, a giant replay screen with electronic scoreboard and a new office building.

Notts' chief executive Derek Brewer said he was delighted with the new lights, which he believes are among the best in the country.

"It is important to get the floodlights up to give us a competitive edge against other venues around the country," he said.

"It has also given us the opportunity to successfully bid for the ICC World Twenty20 we are hosting next year – without the lights, we would have had absolutely no chance of bringing that global event here.

"Last night was an important event because it gave us the chance to test out the lights before England and South Africa play their one-day international here next week.

"I personally enjoy floodlit cricket – and it's certainly here to stay."

Notts have previously played games under temporary lights brought in for each individual game.

But there are few doubts the new structures will be much more powerful and effective.

Brewer paid tribute to the work put in by partners, builders Clegg and electrical specialists Abacus Lighting.

The lights also got the thumbs-up from the spectators.

Alan Barker, of Nottingham, said: "I have been to the ground when they have had temporary lights and these are definitely better – it is easier to see."

And David Hulme, also from the city, added: "They lights fit in very well – the whole redevelopment concept has worked out brilliantly."

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