BARNT Green was one of the first clubs in the country to benefit from the Government's Club Development Programme.

The Cherry Hill Road club was given a grant of £30,523 in 2005 to pay for two enclosed practice net areas.

The work was completed near the end of the season and will be put into full use in the 2006 season, which starts in May, by the club's army of junior players.

John Ward, the club's project manager and committee member, said: "The grant application process to get funding has not been easy but all the hard work has been worthwhile.

"We now have two new synthetic practice pitches with security fencing and this has extended our practice area and has given more coaching opportunity for our young players.

"We have over 220 junior cricketers and the new pitches provide safe playing surfaces which are so important for the development of young players.

"Without the grant support the club could not afford these new facilities and we are most grateful to the English Cricket Board (ECB). We regard the grant as an investment for the development of players for the future."

The Community Club Development Programme has been developed by Sport England and the Government to develop stronger links between the country's leading clubs and their local communities. The funds are then allocated to ECB to distribute to selected clubs.

Barnt Green, who won the Birmingham and District League Premier Division, has one of the largest junior set-ups in the country.