A CAMPAIGN has been launched to support youngsters and help to 'keep sport local' in west Dorset.

Beaminster Cricket Club wants to raise £8,000 to subsidise its youth training programme, support operating costs and contribute towards improving facilities.

Like many groups, income has been hit due to the pandemic and members have not been able to do any fundraising for the last two years, so the fundraiser will help to sustain the future of the club.

It has launched a Crowdfunder campaign to help raise the money to fund the training programme it calls the Beaminster Cricket Academy.

Chairman of Beaminster Cricket Club Ross Baker said: "It is an honour to be part of this wonderful club, it has a rich history and exciting future with so many excellent young players progressing through the academy.

"Beaminster Cricket Club has a reputation for producing talented home-grown players who play the game in the right spirit. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about many difficult challenges for the club, most notably the inability to hold any fundraising events during the last two years, the loss of membership revenue and the reduction of available grant programmes, all of which provided our essential income.

"This Crowdfunder campaign will help us to regroup and rebuild and sustain the future of this important community asset for all. Please support the club in any way you can, through a donation - or even better, come and get involved."

The club provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to come together and participate in sport and recreation within a safe, inclusive and fun environment.

Established in 1855, the club has always played an active role within the local community and currently has more than 100 members and welcomes in excess of 500 cricketers each year ranging from 4 to over 70 years old. The club is also proud to deliver ‘all inclusive’ training sessions as a designated Disability Cricket Champion Club and has a vibrant youth development section for both boys and girls run by professionally qualified coaches.

Support the campaign at https://crowdfunder.co.uk/p/supportbeaminstercricket

The club says there are some 'fantastic' rewards and sponsorship opportunities available.