MORE than 1,200 children from across the West Midlands will descend on Worcester to take part in two-day cricket coaching sessions.

The British Army has teamed up with the Chance to Shine campaign, run by registered charity the Cricket Foundation, to run the events next month.

Children aged 14-16 will take part in two-day camps at the King's School that combine cricket coaching with personal development activities to enhance physical and mental performance.

It is the first time that the British Army has supported the Chance to Shine campaign - a 10-year campaign to regenerate competitive cricket in state schools which launched in 2005.

Throughout the two-day camps, army personnel will teach leadership and team building skills as well as more physical activities such as an inflatable assault course, a unique paintball range and a climbing wall, where children will be encouraged to work closely with each other.

Furthermore, to dispel some of the myths surrounding Army life, an informal briefing will be given on the range of Army careers available to young people.

The cricket sessions will be based around developing the children's batting, bowling and fielding while having plenty of fun.

Wasim Khan, operations director of Chance to Shine and formerly of Warwickshire County Cricket Club, said the two organisations were both keen to help children grow into well-rounded people and that the camps would reflect that.

"I wish these camps had been around when I was a boy," he said. "I'm sure the children will have a great time, will make new friends from different schools and learn a lot.

"Chance to Shine is not about finding the cricket stars of tomorrow but giving children the benefits of competitive cricket such as leadership and teamwork and that will be the case at these camps."

Lieutenant-Colonel John Moody, commander for region recruiting across the West Midlands, added: "We're looking forward to meeting lots of local children during what is promised to be a thoroughly enjoyable two-day event.

"The Army offers a wealth of sporting opportunities and we are confident that this event will prove to be both fun and highly interactive."