YOUNG cricketers will be able to shelter from the sun and rain on practice days and during matches thanks to the donation of a new gazebo.

The shelter was presented to St John’s Cricket Club U11s at Forest Vale Road in Cinderford on a beautiful sunny evening by the Royal Forest of Dean Rotary Club.

Entirely volunteer run and supported by the local community, the club encourages youngsters from five to 11 years old to learn to play cricket in a safe and friendly environment.

It also participates in the All Stars Cricket programme from the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Club chairman Richard Morgan said: “We are so happy that the Rotary Club has helped us in this way.

“It will make a great difference to our young players.”

Ian Storrar, newly- elected president of the Rotary Club, said: “We are delighted to be able to support such a valuable contributor to the Forest community.

“This is a great example of why we raise funds at our half-marathon events in the Autumn and Spring.” 

The Rotary Club of the Royal Forest of Dean would be interested to hear from similar charitable organisations in the Forest seeking funds.

More details and an application form are available on its website at www.rotary-rfod.org.uk 

The Rotary Club of the Royal Forest of Dean meets weekly at Forest Hills Golf Club in Coleford.

The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise.

Club members devote their time and effort to raising funds for local, national and international charities and to promote and support the local community.