AMBITIOUS plans to develop a nursery training ground close to one of the region’s most successful sporting clubs will move a significant step forward today.

Durham County Cricket Club hopes to raise £150,000 over the next year to develop a ground in Chester-le-Street where young cricket hopefuls can hone their skills.

Now the fundraising effort has launched a Crowdfunder web page which goes live today where supporters can pledge backing for the First Class Futures campaign.

Backed by The Northern Echo, the cricket club launched the campaign in the summer and has so far raised more than £5,000. They need to raise at least £50,000 from members of the public which, backed by corporate donors, would allow work to start on the ground.

They hope to develop land close to the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground into a professional standard training facility which could be used by community groups, including youth and women’s teams who struggle to access high quality practice facilities.

Cricket club chief executive David Harker said: “A nursery ground really would help us to change many more lives.

“We have a very successful programme in place at the moment that is about encouraging grassroots cricket, and engagement with young people.

“However, that outreach programme is limited by a real lack of playing fields in which young people can practice and hone their skills”.

The club works with 50 schools and more than 3,000 young people every year on its outreach programmes.

Among those backing the proposed new nursery ground is Sedgefield Cricket Club.

• Readers can donate via crowdfunder.co.uk/first-class-futures or by sending a cheque made payable to Durham County Cricket Club Foundation, to First Class Futures, Durham County Cricket Club, Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground. Riverside, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH3 3QR.