A STRUGGLING cricket club hit the jackpot when it teamed up with a set of supporters with a head for business.

Advisors from the Wear Valley Development Agency showed they were on the ball by turning around Crook Cricket Club's fortunes on and off the field.

The club, founded in 1875, is on a sound financial footing for the first time for years and has appointed a professional, Stephen Ball, to strengthen its playing and coaching staff.

Agency staff have spent a year working with club supporters, in particular Ed Thompson, Eddie Murphy and Frank Gibbon, putting together a business plan and developing future projects.

Membership fees, bar prices and charges for facility hire have all gone up, and a new constitution was agreed at the annual meeting in December.

The business plan stresses the club's commitment to include the Crook community, and especially young people, in its activities.

There is better access for disabled people and a hard standing area for spectators in wheelchairs.

Club president Councillor Bob Pendlebury accepted a cheque for grants of £9,593 from the agency's community business advisor, Kevin Armstrong.

Coun Pendlebury said: "The cricket club has been very important to the Crook community for many years, both as a sporting and social centre. This support will help ensure that we can look forward to this continuing."

Mr Armstrong said: "The business plan builds on the tough decisions made by the club, going on to plans that will stabilise the club and promote growth.

"In a climate where community values are receding, the club's aims are to be pro-active in involving the community of Crook.

"The club is under no illusions that the journey will not be an easy one, but I believe they have the spirit and determination to succeed."