A CRICKET club’s girls’ team is going from strength-to-strength as interest in women’s cricket soars across County Durham.

More than 30 girls aged five over now play regularly at Willington Cricket Club, with membership increasing by more than a third since the start of the year.

The club backs Durham Cricket Board’s mission to promote the sport to men and women from a young age and, over the summer, hosted a special ladies day to attract new members. While the women enjoyed afternoon tea, the younger girls played a game of softball cricket but by the end of the afternoon everyone was on the pitch. It was one of 15 Girls Softball Festivals across the county, with more than 700 girls and women taking part

Marsha Davies, head of women’s development at Durham Cricket Board, said: “The set up here at Willington is fantastic. They have got the All Stars youngsters coming through, the provision for girls soft ball and then a women’s section so there are opportunities for women of all ages.”

Sue Brown, of Willington Cricket Club, encouraged anyone who is interested to contact her on 07771604954, adding: “It is great fun and there is such a friendly atmosphere.”