FORMER England skipper Mike Gatting opened a new net complex at Frenchay.

The South Gloucestershire club were awarded a grant towards their ground development project by the England and Wales Cricket Trust (EWCT).

Frenchay secretary Sally Donaldson said: “Mike Gatting congratulated the club on it’s structure and youth system and hoped the nets would be a valuable and well used asset.”

Gatting, who played 79 Tests for England, watched members of Frenchay’s youth team in the nets and even had a bowl himself.

The EWCT’s grant aid programme aims to finance capital projects, including renovations to improve facilities which contribute to sustaining and increasing participation.

Frenchay was identified by the Gloucestershire Cricket Board and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as a club of strategic and developmental importance due to the grassroots game.

They have been awarded a grant of £15,000 and a £2,800 interest free loan towards the cost of a two bay synthetic practice area which has boosted the coaching and development programme. The total project cost was approximately £25,000.

Brian Havill, EWCT Trustee said: “The England and Wales Cricket Trust is pleased to support projects that sustain high quality participation and enhance facilities. “It is important that cricket clubs have access to funding, such as through this grant aid programme, that allows them to make their facilities available to the local community and schools and community groups.”