An historic cricket pavillion, threatened with demolition, is on the brink of being saved.

A firm has come forward and offered to remove the 130-year-old building and rebuild it on a mobile platform, which could be driven around the county and hired out for functions.

The pavilion, at the Cinderella ground, off Bransford Road, St John's, is owned by Littlewoods Shop Direct, formerally Kays.

Developers SJS Property Management wants to build homes on the factory site next door, and had been on the verge of demolishing the pavilion, although there are no plans to build on the site it occupies or the adjoining sports ground.

The building was given a temporary repreive when sparrows were found to be nesting in the roof.

Since then campaigners have been fighting to secure its future.

Now the Worcester News can exclusively reveal the offer from Gloucestershire-based firm Rural and Urban Design and Development Systems (RUDDS).

Coun Dave Clark, who has spearheaded the campaign, said: "It would be used as a way of promoting Worcester cricket and could be hired for almost anything - it would be a moveable cricket pavilion.

"The firm has contacted Kays, who I believe has made noises about putting money towards it, as long as it is moved off their land.

"It's a welcome development. Although I would prefer the pavilion to stay where it is, this is a way forward. The pavilion could be saved."

Carl Agar, from RUDDS, said: "We can confirm we have put forward a proposal to acquire the building - to remove it, restore it and return it to a location in Worcester next year.

"Thereafter, institutions can hire it. It's not crazy - it has been done abroad before, just not here. There are lots of hurdles to get over and it needs the support of Worcester people."

RUDDS is now looking to establish a special restoration fund for the project.

No one from Kays was available to comment.