TWO of Bury’s cricket clubs were among dozens across the borough to give their grounds a makeover ready for the new season.

Tottington St John’s Cricket Club in Beryl Avenue, and Bury Cricket Club in Radcliffe Road, invited people to help spruce up their pitch and surroundings as part of the NatWest CricketForce initiative.

The scheme is aimed at improving cricket grounds belonging to clubs affiliated with the England and Wales Cricket Board by recruiting volunteers and gaining support from local businesses. Volunteers at Tottington St John’s carried out a general clean-up and painted the club’s fences and pavilion.

Kieran Coe, club development officer, said: “This initiative is a really good idea, as it helps grassroots cricket. “It’s been hard work getting it ready, but this is a real focus for everybody. It brings the community together.”

At Bury Cricket Club, new benches, sightscreens and covers were erected, while the edgings were painted and the car parking area was levelled.

Paul Belston, the club’s junior co-ordinator, said: “A big thank you to those that took the time out to attend.”

Players and members at Prestwich Cricket Club also took part in the initiative, painting boundary boards, benches and cleaning the clubhouse gantry.