CHILDREN’S favourites Peppa Pig and SpongeBob SquarePants will take to the cricket field this month to join a star-studded sports line-up.

Young fans will be bowled-over by the TV characters at Durham’s Big Birthday Blast – a joint celebration of 20 years cricket at the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground and the 20th anniversary of grant-making organisation County Durham Community Foundation.

The Birthday Blast takes place on Sunday, August 16 with legendary cricket players from the Lashinhs XI taking on a team of Durham’s own stars, joined by a line-up of well-known sporting personalities in a T20 match at Chester-le-Street.

Peppa Pig and SpongeBob SquarePants will be on-hand to keep the younger visitors entertained during the interval.

Cricket club chief executive David Harker said: “Our Big Birthday Blast is shaping up to be a fantastic day and we’re delighted to have Peppa Pig and SpongeBob SquarePants joining us to make sure our younger guests are just as entertained as the cricketing fans.

“The day will have something for everyone to enjoy, with the celebrities and great sport, as well as a huge amount going on off the field with soft play, a mini funfair, and food and drink from local producers.”

The day will be helping to raise funds for the foundation and for the club’s bid to develop a community-use training ground on land close to the EDICG as part of their First Class Future’s initiative.

Gates open at noon on the day with the Lashings XI cricket match starting at 3pm. Adult tickets cost £5 and free for children. Guests are asked to pre-book tickets at www.durhamccc.co.uk or the Box Office on 0844 499 4466.