Sleights Cricket Club is re-invigorating its junior section – and would like to invite any boys or girls aged between five and 16 to join in coaching sessions and games against other local villages this summer and beyond.

Grahame Gregory continues to chair the club and groundsman John Hutton is currently preparing the pitch for the new season.

Two new coaches have settled into the village and are joining previous volunteers, known as Activators, to bring fresh impetus to the club.

Most juniors will play softball games with a view to developing into hardball cricket as they grow and gain experience.

This year the club has arranged a £10 discount for courses developed by the English Cricket Board (ECB) which will start on Friday May 8 at the ground off Lowdale Lane.

These courses come with kitbags and various cricket equipment included in the overall price of £40 for eight weeks.

Visit allstarscricket.co.uk (5-8 year-olds) or Dynamoscricket.co.uk (8-11-year-olds).

The club is also willing to coach any youngsters (and adults) over the age of 11.

An Under 9s team is being entered into the Derwent Valley Under 9s league where games take place every Sunday morning between 10am and noon.

Occasional festivals will also take place at Sleights and other local grounds to provide games for other age groups.

If there is enough interest, coaching can continue into the summer after the ECB courses have finished and all youngsters are welcome to use the ground to practice their skills.

The club has an adult team in the Esk Valley Evening League which is 20 overs per side, every Wednesday, and new players are always welcome to join.

It is hoped to start walking cricket for all ages every Tuesday at 2pm for an hour followed by tea and biscuits as a social event for the community.

The club runs a 200 Club for 50p a week with regular monthly prizes (£25,15,10) and twice a year a much larger prize (currently £1,000).

There are still numbers for sale if anyone fancies their chances.

Join the regularly updated Sleights Cricket Club Facebook page for more details.