AMBITIOUS plans to develop first class facilities for aspiring cricketers have taken a major step forward, after a £50,000 fundraising target was hit for six tonight (Thursday, December 18).

Durham County Cricket Club’s online Crowdfunder appeal reached its £50,000 fundraising target to help deliver a new nursery training complex near the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground in Chester-le-Street at about 5pm, 24 hours before the deadline.

But more than that, hitting the goal will mean the club receives another £100,000 in corporate funding and therefore reaches its overall £150,000 target.

Club bosses can now press ahead with their plans for the new facilities, which would be used by young boys and girls, as well as women cricketers, to hone their skills in a professional standard ground.

The online appeal raised £50,000 in just six weeks, having generated the initial £10,000 in just a few days back in mid-November.

The Northern Echo has backed the appeal, known as the First Class Futures campaign.

Durham County Cricket Club chief executive David Harker said: "The nursery ground will transform the lives of young people right across the North-East, giving them a fantastic playing field to use to hone their skills and grow in confidence and ability.

"It’s fantastic news that we have reached our £50,000 goal, not just for us but for young cricketers right across the North-East.

"Currently young people, and women in particular, can really struggle to find the space needed to practice at the sport they love.

"More than most sports, cricket relies on having a large amount of space - particularly as much of the training needed to improve involves scenario planning.

"Having a dedicated training facility so close to the current ground is going to create a fantastic environment from where we can further our community engagement work. We will announce more details in due course.”

The club, a first class county for just over 20 years, has won the Championship three times in six years.

A quarter of its academy graduates have gone on to play first class cricket and one in 11 have won international honours.

To make a donation, visit crowdfunder.co.uk/first-class-futures or send a cheque, made out to Durham County Cricket Club Foundation, to: First Class Futures, Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground, Riverside, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH3 3QR.