A CHILDREN’S medical charity figurehead was bowled over to learn of the support of a village cricket club.

North-East agony aunt Denise Robertson has raised a glass to patrons of Lanchester Cricket Club, in County Durham.

It follows the club’s decision to make the Bubble Foundation UK the official charity of its annual beer festival.

The foundation raises funds for the Children’s Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at the Great North Children’s Hospital, in Newcastle.

It offers care for children born without an immune system who would otherwise die before their first birthday if left untreated.

The foundation helps to provide medical equipment, toys and educational aids, to assist in the welfare of the babies, children and their families.

It also funds research required at what is considered a cutting edge of paediatric practice.

As foundation president, the veteran broadcaster paid a visit to thank club members for their continuing support at the weekend.

In return she was given an early taste of one of the traditional ales which will be on offer over the course of the three-day event.

The club has enjoyed a long association with the foundation, beginning in 1993, when nursing staff from the unit played a charity cricket match at the ground, against a Durham Police team.

Other subsequent fundraising events have included a bed push through the streets of Lanchester.

Next month’s festival will see a number of fundraising events for Bubble during the course of the weekend.

The festival, at the club’s Ashley Park ground, on Kitswell Road, runs from Friday to Sunday, May 22 - 24, with tickets, including a free commemorative festival glass, available for daily and weekend rates.

Further information is available from www.lanchesterbeerfestival.co.uk, or from the clubhouse, on 01207-520198.

The work of the foundation can be viewed via www.bubblefoundation.org.uk.