LUDLOW Cricket Club is celebrating after securing grants for a new synthetic pitch.

The England and Wales Cricket Trust (EWCT) have pumped in £6,925 and the Lord's Taverners £2,300.

Ludlow was identified by the Shropshire Cricket Board and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as a club of strategic importance in the development of the game.

Club chairman William Moore said he the new synthetic pitch boost their development programme.

"The South Shropshire Twenty20 League has been focused at the club for the last five years and all the league matches are played on non-turf pitches on our two playing areas," said Moore.

"Another advantage about the synthetic pitch is that in the event of rain and the square is too wet to play on turf, then the junior games can be played on the all-weather pitch.

"This means that over a season, more matches will be played.

"We are pleased that the EWCT and ECB have recognised the work we do in the general development of the game and in the development of our junior cricketers through our coaching programme and age-group games.

"We are extremely grateful to the EWCT and the Lord's Taverners for their generous grants as we could not afford a top quality non-turf pitch from our own resources at the present time."

EWCT trustee Brian Havill added: "The EWCT are pleased to invest in the project at Ludlow Cricket Club which will give plenty of opportunities for all age groups, seniors and juniors, to play cricket.

"We are confident that by investing in high-quality sustainable facilities, we will help cricket attract and retain many new participants and it is important that these facilities are available to local communities."