THE next generation of cricket lovers had the chance to take advantage of some specialist training this week.

Yorkshire Cricket Board were able to give 600 youngsters a chance to try their hand at All Stars Cricket which helps develop their skills while encouraging them to take part in physical activity.

The Year 2 children were able to practice their catching, batting and bowling inside a a leisure centre at Queens Campus, Durham University, Thornaby.

A spokesman for the cricket board said: "The event was fully booked, we had 300 children in the morning and 300 in the afternoon – 600 children participating in cricket skill activities.

"This is to promote the new ECB Cricket initiative called All Stars Cricket which launched last year.

"Having 600 young children attend a cricket skills day is a great achievement for Yorkshire Cricket Board and for All Stars Cricket."

For more information about the Yorkshire Cricket Board or the scheme visit www.yorkshirecb.com or the www.ecb.co.uk