OFFICIALS from the David Shepherd Cricket Trust have been delighted by the response to a kit offer for club junior sections.

New ECB regulations came into force this season, setting out changes to the specifications of the helmets worn by young cricketers in matches.

Although the old helmets can still be used, it is inevitable clubs want to have the best kit they can for their young players.

At around £30 a time for a new helmet, it doesn’t take long to tot up a bill running into hundreds of pounds to update the kit bag

The Trust is a charitable organisation set-up to help youth cricket at all levels in Devon, from softball for primary schools to the Devon Lions development squad. Around £20,000 a year is pumped into the game.

Trustees set aside around £5,000 to subsidise a balls and helmet offer to clubs with youth teams. For £50 clubs can have three youth helmets and a box of match balls

The Trust has 30 sets of helmets and balls to distribute – and in the first 10 days has had 19 applications.

Ivybridge,, Tavistock, Yealmpton and Yelverton have already got their applications in.

“The response has been fantastic so far and we hope to find homes for the remaining helmets and balls as well,” said Trust secretary Richard Wyatt-Haines.

To make an application send your club name, contact name and email address to conradcopy@btinternet.com