HUNTLEY Cricket Club is the most promising in the district – on and off the field!

But it might have been much different, reflected chairman Tony Embling this week.

"If it wasn't for a Lottery grant that enabled us to buy the ground there might not be a Huntley club," he said.

The news of the £12,507 Lottery payout has given the club a new lease of life. This summer they will be running two Saturday sides, a Sunday team, a midweek team and, with luck, a junior team.

But the club is still £3,000 short of the £20,000 target .

However, they should cruise past that this Saturday night, and all thanks to the generosity of friends, neighbours and countrymen.

"It's been remarkable. We decided to raise funds by holding an auction of promises and I thought we would do quite well. But the response has been staggering," said Mr Embling.

At the last count 131 individuals and companies had offered promises – and bidders can put an offer in for everything from a millennium night taxi to having their lawn cut for a year.

"I really can't thank people enough. The response has been brilliant and the range of offers is almost unbelievable," he said.

The Village Hall auction begins at 8pm sharp and is expected to last for three hours as the bids come in for the massive range of items.

And the club will get an extra boost by the presence of Gloucestershire captain Mark Alleyne who has also given a range of gifts including an England playing shirt and training top.

•Anyone who would like further information can telephone Mr Embling on Gloucester 831018.