BARLEY Lane School in Exeter were the winners of the seventh annual Disability Schools’ Festival hosted by Bovey Tracey CC.

The festival was inaugurated back in 2013 by the then Devon CCC captain Chris Bradley, who worked in the special needs education sector.

A £500 grant has been awarded annually by the David Shepherd Cricket Trust towards the costs of running the festival.

The winners receive the Charles Hackett Trophy, which was presented at the start in memory of a former head of Ratcliffe School in Dawlish. Hackett was a keen cricketer who captained South Devon CC’s first and second teams.

Fittingly, Ratcliffe School were the first winners of the Charles Hackett Trophy. Every year since up to 10 schools have met every summer to compete for the trophy.

The Devon Cricket Board organises the festival in association with the schools. Newton Abbot College in nearby Newton Abbot supplies young leaders on the day of the festival to run matches.

The grant from the David Shepherd Cricket Trust helps pay for Kwik Cricket kit bags and other gear, such as medals and T-shirts.

Alex Jopling, the programmes manager at the DCB who looks after the festival, said: “It was a great day as always and thanks are due to so many people for making it possible.

“Bovey Tracey make the ground available to us and Newton Abbot College supply young leaders to get the games on.

“The David Shepherd Cricket Trust has supported the festival from day one and, last but not least, thanks to the schools and their pupils for taking part.”

The David Shepherd Cricket Trust makes grants available for numerous purposes associated with youth cricket, ranging from coaching to coach education and beginners to elite prospects.

Visit http://www.dsct111.org.uk/supporting-youth-cricket/ to find out more about grants available.