Youngsters were treated to a visit to a prestigious cricket ground to meet county players on a day out organised by the Dover District Community Safety Partnership.

The partnership has been running kwik cricket sessions at Dover Grammar School for Boys since May and the trip to the Kent County Cricket Club in Canterbury was for the young people who have been taking part.

The sessions were run in conjunction with the Kent Cricket Board, the Kent County Cricket Club and Pace Development, with the aim of providing a diversionary activity for young people from Dover and Folkestone and to promote better community cohesion.

The youngsters played matches on the grounds in two age groups, under 12s and 14-17. They were joined by two Kent players who bowled them several balls and they were also invited to stay and watch Kent play India.

The Lord's Taverners presented safety partnership members Sgt Ian Swallow, from Kent Police and Kent Community Warden Alison Beaumont with a kwik cricket set.

The under 12s group were given kwik cricket T-shirts and the older group were each given sets of cricket whites. The Kent Cricket Board is helping those who want to continue with the sport to find local clubs.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©