SOUTH Devon CC can continue the good work done with nearby schools during the Chance to Shine programme thanks to a grant from the David Shepherd Cricket Trust.

The Newton Abbot club worked with Chance to Shine to take cricket into local primary schools as part of its commitment to youth cricket.

South Devon won’t have Chance to Shine funding in 2016 as their time in the programme is now up.

The David Shepherd Cricket Trust, the charity set up in memory of the former Gloucestershire and Devon cricketer who went on to become the best-known umpire in the world, has stepped in with a grant to keep the school link going.

The Trust has made a grant of £600 to the club, which will be divided between school coaching and indoor winter training.

“Although our Chance to Shine funding has ended, we are keen to keep our partnership active with Rydon and St Michael’s primary schools,” said South Devon CC secretary Ian Shepherd.

“Our aim is provide a coach to run sessions at the schools, as well as a softball coaching night at the club for primary school-aged children to provide a pathway into full junior cricket.

“The other half of the grant will be go towards the hire of a sports hall for our junior winter nets

“We are keen to provide these sessions free of charge to our youngsters, to present as few barriers as possible to them to participating in, and enjoying their cricket

“As a club we are unable to subsidise this without the aid of grants and donations.”

South Devon qualified for the grant, the second they have had from the Trust, by taking part in the new members’ competition.

Club who have had grants are eligible for another if they recruit five new members – ideally recurring ones who complete annual standing order forms when they join.

Clubs who have not taken part in the competition before need to recruit 10 new members to be eligible for a grant.

The Trust still has grant prizes available this year for clubs who sign up the required number of members.

To find out more about the work of the David Shepherd Cricket Trust and how to become a member, visit their website www.dsct111.org.uk