PRESTWICH Cricket Club has made a prize catch to boost its junior players.

An Awards For All grant of £4,630 has been given to the Heys club, which is now being used to improve training for its youngsters.

The money is being spent on several projects, such as buying safety helmets and other junior cricket equipment, a coach education scheme and coaching sessions, including after-school practices to enhance club and school links.

The club has a flourishing junior set-up in the Lancashire County League. Last year, the under-13, 15 and 17 sides each finished runners-up in their divisions, while the Under-11s topped their table.

Club President Bob Hinchliffe said the cricket section was delighted to receive the award.

"It enables the club to provide coaching and facilities which last year alone resulted in nine junior players playing for Lancashire," said Hinchcliffe.

"With the coaching set-up, we hope to identify any young player with potential and improve their game.,"

The success of the Prestwich junior section was heralded last year when seven youngsters played in the 1st and 2nd XI cup-winning sides.

Four of Prestwich's Under-17s also played in the league representative side which became the first team to win both the North West Colts and Manchester Evening News Colts Finals.

The club will hold its junior presentation evening next Friday, January 24, at 7.30pm when Peter Ackerley, English Cricket Board national coach for secondary schools, will present the trophies.