A CRICKET club is looking for the next crop of new talent.

The Summer Cricket Programme, run by Essex County Cricket Board and Wickford Cricket Club kicks off later this summer, at Wickford Memorial park.

It will also feature Street Chance, a new form of cricket designed to be played in enclosed spaces.

Wickford Cricket Club will be on the look out for talented young people to join in with other forms of cricket at the club. Councillor Kevin Blake, deputy leader and cabinet member for leisure and arts, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for young people to get involved in cricket during the holidays, as well as stay fit and active.

“I would urge all those with an interest to make the most of this free opportunity to get coaching in this great summer sport."

The programme is a spin off of the Big Pavilion project, a £500k project to refurbish the main pavilion in the park.

Funding and support for the programme is being provided by Essex County Cricket Board, in partnership with Wickford Cricket club, who will also be supplying coaches.

The sessions are the first of a three year programme of cricket initiatives in the park, which aim to encourage young people to take part in healthy outdoor sporting activities.

Sessions will be running on Monday, August 18 and Monday, August 25 from 6.30pm until 8pm, Friday, August 29 from 11am until 1pm and Monday September 1 and Monday, September 8 from 6.30pm until 8pm.

The programme is available to children between the ages of 11 and 16 and will be held at the Ball Court, in Wickford Memorial park.

To find out more, contact Sam Spooner on 07733 226518.