A STOURBRIDGE cricket club has been bowled over after being handed a £40,000 grant to improve their existing facilities.

It's the second major grant given to Oldswinford and Stourbridge Social CC in the past two years.

They had already received £36,000 two years ago which enabled the club to build state-of-the-art cricket nets at its Albermarle Road headquarters.

Now Oldswinford has a further £40,000 from Sport England's Inspired Facilities which will be used to refurbish the clubhouse.

The money will be used to replace the existing roof, new kitchen and flooring plus providing a new patio area and seating.

Club secretary Ken Slater said: "We're absolutely thrilled because this funding secures the club for the next generation."

Oldswinford moved to its existing ground in 1983, but many of the original features had fallen into disrepair and Mr Slater said: "We could have never raised this sort of money on our own."

He believes the funding is testimony to the club's commitment to junior cricket.

On Friday night alone the club plays host to 120 youngsters ranging from seven to 13-years-old.

It also coaches under 14, 15 and 16 sides on a Wednesday night.

Oldswinford also has a thriving number of girls playing and is the only club in North Worcestershire which provides cricket for disabled youngsters.

Mr Slater added: "Without a doubt it's our work with young people that has swung these grants in our favour.

"We merged with Stourbridge Social last season which means we are able to run four sides on a Saturday as we also have another ground at our disposal in Norwood Road, Brockmoor."