CIVIC chiefs have teamed up with the English Cricket Board to develop disability cricket sessions in Winchester.

Winchester City Council has worked in partnership with the board to run sessions from River Park Leisure Centre this summer.

The adult disability sports club will host ECB coaches as they train members of the Winchester and District Sports Association for the Disabled, introducing them to cricket and developing basic skills.

Cllr Robert Humby, deputy leader at the city council, with portfolio responsibilities for sport, said: “This is a fantastic partnership between the ECB and the city council. We have been able to tap into investment from the national governing body and join them with our adult disability club. It is a great opportunity and something I would urge local people with disabilities to join.”

The initiative is part of the ECB’s disability development programme, made possible after securing £13.45m investment from Sport England.

Sessions, which began August 16, are on Fridays at River Park Leisure Centre and cost £10 for a year’s membership to WADSAD.

Membership includes access to the adult disability multi-sport club from 5pm to 6pm, archery club from 6pm to 7pm and swimming sessions from 7:10pm to 8:10pm.

The club runs mostly non-contact activities and they are also looking to start under-16s for some sessions. Anyone interested in joining should call 01962 848532.