COOKLEY Cricket Club are hoping to shake off their tag as having one of the oldest playing squads in the area by targeting youngsters for some specialised coaching sessions.

Thanks to a grant from the Sebright Trust, the club have arranged for former Worcestershire all-rounder Gavin Haynes to coach youngsters aged between 14 and 20 at a series of six special indoor coaching sessions in March and April.

The Trust provides help for young people in the parishes of Wolverley and Cookley.

The club, who compete in the Worcestershire County League, have lined up some of their own up and coming players for the sessions and will also be talking to local schools, including Wolverley High School, about filling the remaining places.

Cookley Cricket Club chairman Phil Dixon said: "I think it is accepted that we are one of the oldest first 11 squads around.

"We do have a few youngsters coming through but we need more and we are looking for youngsters with ability who do not currently enjoy a regular game of cricket to contact us.

"We are indebted to the Sebright Trust for making this possible. Once again the Trust is demonstrating how it can assist young people in the parish."

Hayes enjoyed a distinguished career at Worcestershire with both bat and ball before it was curtailed by injury.

The sessions will take place at Kinver Leisure Centre, starting on Sunday, March 6.

Anyone interested can contact the club's development officer Will Morgan on 01384-873279.

The club start their indoor nets on Mondays at Stourport Leisure Centre between 8.30pm and 10.30pm in association with Stone Cricket Club.

There is also opportunity for net practice on Sunday afternoons at the same venue from 2.30pm until 4.30pm.

These continue until March 27 with the exception of February 13.