FORMER England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has helped raise £2,500 towards the work of the David Shepherd Cricket Trust.

Vaughan, England’s Ashes-winning captain in 2005, was guest speaker at a dinner organised by former Devon Youth Association chairman Dave Bayliss.

Bayliss organised the charity dinner during his term of office as chairman of the Building Forum for Devon & Cornwall – and nominated the David Shepherd Cricket Trust as the charity.

More than 300 members of the Forum and their guests, sat down for dinner at the Holiday Inn, Plymouth before hearing Vaughan speak about his life in cricket.

Bayliss, who played cricket for the best part of 30 years in Kent and later for Plymouth Civil Service, said it was a highly enjoyable way to raise money for a cause close to his heart.

“It was a brilliant evening and Michael Vaughan was fantastic,” said Bayliss, who manages the West Devon U14 District side and works with the West Devon Coaching Association.

“He gave an very interesting talk, then we ran an impromptu question-and-answer session with questions from the guests and myself in the chair. That was really enjoyable.

“By the time we ran a raffle and a few other things, we had raised £2,500 which will go to the David Shepherd Cricket Trust.

“The Trust does fantastic work with young cricketers and the coaches who work with them.

“I have been involved in cricket since the age of 11 and am delighted to be help the Trust bring on future lads who were cricket-mad like me.”

The David Shepherd Cricket Trust is keen to support clubs deliver youth coaching at all age groups and levels of ability.

Fund-raising events are held throughout the year to support the work of the Trust.

Membership of the Trust is open to clubs and individuals.

To join, or to find out more about the Trust and its work, visit www.dsct111.org.uk