ONE of the region’s biggest sporting institutions and a charity foundation which has improved the lives of thousands of people will mark their 20th birthdays with a unique joint celebration.

Durham County Cricket Club (DCCC) and the County Durham Community Foundation (CDFC) are to stage a family fun day which is expected to attract thousands of spectators and raise much-needed funds to support good causes across the county.

Some of the biggest names in world cricket along with a cast of children’s cartoon favourites will appear at Durham’s Big Birthday Blast on August 16.

The event will be held at the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground in Chester-le-Street, 20 years since the first ball was bowled at the ground.

The Lashings cricket team, which includes some of the biggest names in the sport, will play a T20 cricket match, with interval entertainment from Peppa Pig and SpongeBob SquarePants, food and drink from local producers and a range of activities, including soft play, face painting and celebrity guests.

Half of the money raised on the day will go to the club’s First Class Futures initiative, to develop a nursery training ground alongside the stadium to give the region’s young cricketers a state-of-the-art facility to hone their skills.

The rest will go to the Foundation, which manages charitable funds donated by local individuals, families, businesses and trusts.

David Harker, cricket club chief executive, said: “Durham’s Big Birthday Blast is different to the games we normally host here.

“There will be some great cricketers taking to the field, but we will be adding to that with fantastic family-focused entertainment that will keep the little ones well entertained for the day.

“CDCF and DCCC have been making a big difference to many people’s lives for two decades, and the fact that we share a ‘birthday’ meant that it was a natural fit for us to work with them to create an event that we know will be really special.”

First Class Futures, backed by the Northern Echo, has already raised more than £50,000 and organisers hope the Big Birthday Blast could raise enough money to add to the facilities the club is able to offer to young cricketers in the region.

Foundation chief executive Barbara Gubbins added: “We are absolutely thrilled to be creating an event that will be a real celebration for the county – and one that will make a big difference to many, many people in the area.

“CDCF has been changing lives through grant-making for 20 years, and this event will give us the chance to raise more money that can make a positive difference in the area. And indeed, it will make a big difference to the club’s First Class Futures initiative, which will transform opportunities for women and young cricketers across the North East”.

Tickets, priced £5 for adults and free for children, are available at www.durhamccc.co.uk.