FROCESTER Cricket Club has successfully been awarded a grant to enhance its facilities.

The financial boost will enable the club to improve the covering of wickets to ensure matches are played.

The funding forms part of the England and Wales Cricket Trust (EWCT) Small Grant Scheme, supported by Waitrose, which creates a sustainable future for affiliated cricket clubs through vital improvement of their facilities.

Waitrose, the England Team sponsor, supported the Scheme by pledging £100 for every four or six scored across the entire home international summer in 2015.

The Waitrose donation, alongside investment from Sport England and the England and Wales Cricket Trust, has allowed more local communities to benefit from the purchase of covers and sheets, supporting ECB’s Get the Game on campaign, and environmental sustainability in cricket clubs.

Groundsman and secretary Eric Woodmason said: “We are really delighted to receive this grant to upgrade our facilities. It’s provided valuable support for what would have been an expensive project and helps provide a long term investment to benefit the local community here. These covers are so much lighter than our previous set, it’s been so much easier to cover our pitches for vital league games. We’ve even used them to cover our practice pitches ”

Mike Gatting, ECB Cricket Partnership Ambassador, said: “We’re passionate about creating a sustainable future for cricket clubs and their communities across England and Wales. Small grants to clubs like Frocester make a huge difference to their long term future”.

Rupert Elwood, Head of Marketing for Waitrose, "With a busy summer of fixtures, we are proud to see the positive impact these funds will have on local clubs. This grant scheme is dedicated to grassroots cricket, supporting clubs as they build their fundraising activities and ensure a longstanding future as a key part of the local community. We are also delighted to announce we'll be running the Waitrose Boundary Fund again this year. During the Ashes Series, we'll be donating £100 for every four or six scored by England”.

Charles Johnston, Director of Property at Sport England, said: “We’re pleased to support the ECB in its Small Grants Scheme. We know that people have a better experience of sport when they have good places to play. With this scheme helping clubs improve facilities and equipment, it will enable clubs to provide more regular opportunities for practice, matches and social activities, benefitting the local community”.