WORK to improve a community cricket ground is underway.

About £85,000 is being spent to install new drainage and level the outfield at Leadgate Cricket Club, due for completion next year.

It is hoped the work will create a better quality playing surface and allow the ground to host more community events.

Durham County Council has contributed £10,000, with the rest from Sport England.

Corinne Walton, of the Derwent Valley Area Action Partnership, said: “The cricket club has played a significant role in Leadgate community life for more than a century.

“However, in recent years, severe winters and wet summers have resulted in a loss of fixtures and training opportunities for the junior and senior sides.

“These improvements will make a huge difference.”