ASHBURTON CRICKET CLUB has received a generous contribution of £2,315.03 by way of the Co-op Local Community Fund which donates money to worthy local causes every time a Co-op member buys a branded product or service. The grant will provide a much-needed boost to the club’s finances after three related break-ins in August did thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Club Chairman Jerry Crouch said:

“We cannot thank the Co-op enough for choosing to support us as one of their local causes for 2017. We have had a fantastic year on the pitch with record numbers of youngsters playing cricket and our First XI having a very successful season, but off the pitch we have suffered with vandalism and theft as well as strong winds this autumn damaging some of the netting we have around the ground to protect neighbouring properties. Thanks to the Co-op we will now be able to undertake repairs to our netting, improve our security and purchase some new equipment for our colts.”

Chris Pascoe, whose daughter Megan played for Ashburton Under 10s this year and whose son Jake (12) had a successful debut season for Ashburton Second XI, added:

“Ashburton is a fantastic family-orientated cricket club with a youth section that is improving every year. It’s great to see the Co-op supporting such a worthy cause.”

Ashburton store manager Gareth Griffiths said:

“The cricket club is a big part of the community here in Ashburton and we were delighted to support it along with Ashburton Museum and Cancer Life Line South West this year.”

For more information about becoming a co-op member and helping worthy local causes every time you shop visit www.coop.co.uk/membership.