PROGRESSIVE Pedmore Cricket Club members are keeping their fingers crossed that the legacy of a visit from former England captain Mike Gatting will lay the foundation for a sound future.

Gatting was a special guest at the club last spring when he helped out as part of the club's Cricket Force weekend.

The event attracted more than 300 people to the Pedmore Hall Lane club when Gatting helped out with improvements and general maintenance work to the ground.

Club treasurer Mick Bourne said: "Mike was a really top bloke. He arrived at the club at 9.20am and worked solidly until 4.30pm. During that time he really got stuck, helping to mix concrete and painting. His PA joined in as well. Mike made a real difference and his enthusiasm rubbed off on everyone."

Pedmore will be holding another Cricket Force weekend again this year on March 27, 28 and 29.

Mick Bourne added: "It won't be on the same scale as last year, but we've been holding Cricket Force at the club for the past eight years now and we achieved some important work.

"This year we're putting new fencing down in the car park and putting up new safety nets at the church end of the ground. Hopefully it will be a case of many hands make light work.

"But as a result of last year's success, we will now be running seven junior sides this season involving 120 youngsters. We've never had anything like that before and I believe it all rubbed off as a result of Mike Gatting's visit, which has given us real impetus.

"We will also be running three senior sides on a Saturday and one for Sunday, but we also now have an over 40's side who will compete on Wednesday nights.

"Senior nets are set to start this Sunday February 1 at Redhill School from 2.30pm until 4pm and anyone who would be interested in playing for the club is welcome to come along.

"As for Mike Gatting, the club still keep in touch. He really put the time in at Pedmore which is something we are very grateful for."