Work underway to create extra pitches at Richmondshire Cricket Club

Work has begun to add new pitches to the square at Richmondshire Cricket Club in North Yorkshire.

Club officials say the success of the junior section has put pressure on the playing area at the club's Hurgill Road ground in Richmond.

The club now runs seven teams from ages nine to 19 and has more than a hundred junior playing members.

During the closed season, two additional pitches are being added to the square.

This has involved the removal of a worn out all-weather strip and the laying of two new grass strips.

The wet autumn has delayed the work but groundsman Geoff Thorpe is confident they should be ready for use by the start of the new season.

Club chairman Mark Layfield said "The continuing success of the club depends on the strength of our junior section and this work is a mark of our commitment to the junior teams."

"We are very grateful to the Yorkshire County Cricket Club Charitable Youth Trust who have supported the work with a donation of £1,500".

The club says it will also continue its successful partnership with Richmond School with some junior and senior games also being played at the school.