CRICKET fans flocked to the unveiling of new cricket nets at Lindow Cricket Club at weekend.

The three new nets were officially opened by former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan and the day started with the Lindow v Toft under-15 match

Lindow club chairman David Kendrick and secretary Adam Bull, made speeches to a large crowd to thank the volunteers and underline the impact the club is making in the local area and why it received grant funding.

The achievements include coaching in six local primary schools, more than doubling junior numbers since 2012, three weekend senior teams now playing in the highest tier of cricket in Cheshire, providing girls-only training sessions, developing and running the Lindow Cup as a tournament for local primary schools.

The new three lane nets facility, which includes the best available surface and netting materials, allows the club to provide an all-weather training facility for its three senior and seven junior teams

The club raised the funds for the nets over the past 18 months including a £42,000 grant from Sport England and additional support from Wilmslow Town Council, Cheshire East Council, Cheshire Cricket Board and the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Adam Bull said: "We're thrilled that Michael Vaughan has recognised the positive impact our volunteer-run club is having in the local area and if he plays well in the new nets he may even get a Lindow call up in the future!"

The day included a match between the current ‘Lindow Legends’ and former players ‘Lindow All-Stars’, a barbecue, a bouncy castle and music.

Michael Vaughan said: “It’s great to see a local club doing so much to try and bring the next generation of players through.

"The new facilities at Lindow will certainly be a huge benefit to all of their members and the number of people down supporting the event today highlights just how much the club is progressing.”