Strollers Cricket Club, based in Fownhope, have been putting on summer cricket camps to encourage young people to get into the game.

Last week, the club's junior co-ordinator David Skyrme, assisted by Phil Matthews, dodged the rain showers to put a group of youngsters through their paces.

Phil said: "After three days, their batting has come on leaps and bounds. We've had a small group but that means more time with each individual. They've all been very enthusiastic."

The club, who have only been playing from Fownhope's recreation ground for a year, hope the cricket camps will help integrate the club into the local community, as well as developing talent that will get the chance to shine in their senior teams.

The Strollers Second XI is the place the club bloods new and younger playersand offers the juniors a chance to pit their wits against more experienced opposition, as well as learning from older team mates.Strollers Club President Peter Metcalfe said: "The club has two teams and, because we are a club that has historically drawn players from all over to play for us, there are occasions where we can struggle to get 22 players. The Second XI has already fielded several 13 and 14 year olds this season and we hope the cricket camps will generate interest for other young players to come and join us."

The young players who showed up last week to hone their skills were mostly from St Mary's Primary School and while, too young to play in the senior teams, the club hopes they can put in the ground work with young players in Fownhope to ensure the club has a successful future.

David Skyrme said: "When coaching, we have to be careful not give them too much information as at this age they can lose concentration but we have been pleased with the group that has been involved this week.

"A couple of the players were only meant to be here for two out of the three days, but they begged their parents to change their plans so that they could come to cricket for the third day as well."

Peter added: "The club is for people of all backgrounds. The idea is that everyone is welcome and that there are no barriers. It's an opportunity to play cricket and learn about the spirit of the game. The Second XI is where young players can get their first chance and learn from good role models."

For more stories in full please see this week's Ross Gazette.