SELBY MP Nigel Adams will unveil Thorpe Willoughby Cricket Club’s new practice equipment on Friday, writes Henry Cowen.

A £10,000 grant courtesy of Sport England and the National Lottery has enabled the HPH York Vale League club to purchase the equipment, which it is hoped will attract young people to the sport and improve the skills of those already playing.

The grant has gone towards the purchase of new mobile dome pitch covers, a mobile batting cage, a Bola bowling machine and a coaching mat.

At the unveiling there will be a barbecue, a raffle in aid of junior development, a junior coaching demonstration and the chance to try out the new equipment.

Malcolm Brooke, club president, said: “In the autumn of last year, the club realised that the only way to progress was to encourage junior players to join. We have been running junior coaching sessions since January of this year.”

Club secretary Dennis Powell added: “The club has ambitious plans for the future that they are committed to carrying through.

“This will include more junior coaches and coaching sessions, an evening league side and possibly a Sunday friendly team.

“The funding from Sport England is a fantastic shot in the arm and I’m sure it will inspire more members to do their bit for the future of our national summer game.”