SPORT for girls and boys in Wychavon has received a boost with the latest round of Awards for All Lottery grants.

Thanks to a £4,360 Lottery windfall, Evesham Youth Netball will be able to train two more coaches and provide smart red and navy kit for teams competing in the Twin Counties League.

The group of 60 youngsters, aged from eight to 15, has three teams in the league, which covers Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

"We're hoping they will have their new kit in time to play in matches this weekend," said chairman Sarah Rhodes.

"We are absolutely thrilled to bits with the Lottery money. We want to make sure the kids get maximum benefit and this will enable us to train coaches and pay for things like professional affiliation fees."

The group, which meets at Evesham High School, has received help and encouragement from Wychavon District Council's sports development team, as have Himbleton Cricket Club and Bredon Hill Middle School.

Two new youth teams will be formed at Himbleton with the help of a £4,000 grant to pay for equipment, training of volunteers, coaching and practice facilities.

"At present we have a mixed under 13s team, but next year we are hoping to run an under 16s team for boys and get more girls involved in the club," said vice-president Geoff Peters.

The club has three boys and one girl, Rosie Benjamin, in the county youth cricket squads.

"We want to encourage cricket amongst the youngsters of Himbleton and the surrounding villages.

"There's good potential for both boys and girls. Years ago there used to be far more girls playing cricket," said Mr Peters.

Girls will also be encouraged to play football, with the help of a £1,550 grant to Bredon Middle School.