Yarm cricket club has been bowled over thanks to a £500 donation from Northern Gas Networks, the region’s gas pipeline provider.

Yarm Cricket Club was formed in 1814 and will be celebrating its 200th birthday in 2014.

With the help of a grant from the National Lottery, the cricket pavilion has recently undergone a major refurbishment, benefitting from new changing facilities, toilets and showers.

As part of the refurbishment, Northern Gas Networks also connected the cricket pavilion to the gas mains network for the first time.

John Towell, Chairman of Yarm Cricket Club said: “We are extremely grateful for the support we have received from Northern Gas Networks. The money they have generously donated will be used to purchase soft balls and plastic bats for the club’s young cricketers.”

Mr Towell added, “We will also be using the money to train up some of our older members so they can coach the youngsters and pass their passion for the sport on to future generations.”

John Peacock, Head of Connections at Northern Gas Networks said: “We are delighted to support a sports facility that means so much to the local community.”