ASHES winner Simon Jones was Frocester Cricket Club's star guest as the Pounds Close outfit officially opened their £550,000 new pavilion.

The pavilion is partly funded by grants from Inspired Facilities Sport England, the ECB and the Environmental Trust.

The ribbon-cutting was marked by two of the club’s longest standing and major influences over the years. Two people who were instrumental in the building of the first ever pavilion over 50 years ago. This involved former chairman Philip Herbert, former club secretary John ‘Nogger’ Hawkins and their respective wives, Mary and Marjorie.

They each held a pair scissors and cut the tape. Meanwhile, Jones unveiled a plaque inside the pavilion to mark the occasion.

Former Gloucestershire professionals Alex Gidman, Andy Stovold and David Partridge mingled with former Frocester players from over the years and with the many guests who had come to witness a very special moment in the club’s recent rich history.

Spokesman Eric Woodmason said: “After five years of fund-raising and planning, everyone at the club is delighted with the quality of the clubhouse, probably one of the best facilities of its type in the country.”