DROITWICH Spa Cricket Club is celebrating after being recognised for its sporting high standards and child friendly environment.

The England Cricket Board's (ECB) Clubmark is a set of national standards to help the governing bodies across all sports monitor their affiliated clubs and to help provide better quality sports club provision.

The St Peter's Fields-based side, which boasts five weekend teams and more than 70 junior members, was presented with an accreditation certificate by Stuart Lampitt, Worcestershire Cricket Board's cricket development officer, on Monday.

As well as adopting enhancing policies and coaching plans, the club has had its coaches taking part in Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks, ECB coaching courses and child protection and first aid courses to help gain the new status.

"We have a thriving youth section with many players breaking through into the senior teams last season and making a real impact," said club secretary Adrian Field.

"Since last season we have had eight new volunteers become qualified coaches, which augers well throughout the club."

The Clubmark accreditation means that the Spa club, which has had huge success on the field in the last two years, has a child welfare policy, specific personnel training in child welfare issues and the capacity to administer first aid.

"It proves that Droitwich Spa CC is a club that parents can send their children to, safe in the knowledge that they will be well looked after and will enjoy their cricket. We also have excellent links with local schools," said Adrian.

Club chairman Simon Holliday added: "The Clubmark is the most important target for all cricket clubs at the moment. Cricket will only continue to grow if the players, both youngsters and adults, are given the best training and support."