Young cricketers in Marlborough have been given a boost by a sports fund.

The budding youngsters have received support from the £100,000 Gigaclear Rural Sports Club Fund.

This initiative, backed by ex-England cricketer Darren Gough, aims to assist teams in rural communities across the broadband company’s full fibre network, which spans 26 counties.

Marlborough Cricket Club successfully applied to the fund, securing a range of equipment to help their young teams achieve sporting success.

Hugh Norris, youth coach and committee team member at the club, said: "These vital pieces of equipment have already allowed us to provide better match day and training facilities.

"Having a set of junior kit will ensure that any child without their own equipment can still play without any financial barriers.

"This supports our plan to continue to grow our junior section and encourage more children to play and enjoy cricket."

The equipment purchased includes a boundary rope trolley, new spring stumps, batting practice nets, a catching aid, and junior playing equipment such as batting gloves, leg, arm and thigh pads, a bat, helmet, and kit bag.

Fund ambassador Darren Gough said: "Since launching the fund, it has gone from strength to strength, providing valuable support where it is needed most.

"It’s great to see so much kit and equipment being sent out to rural sports clubs such as Marlborough Cricket Club and I wish them every success.

"I believe the fund is helping make a difference to players now and to the rural sports teams of the future."

Marlborough Cricket Club is located on the edge of Savernake Forest and is committed to promoting cricket and providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Gigaclear, the broadband company behind the fund, has been designing, building, and operating new gigabit, full fibre networks since 2010.

The Abingdon-based communications provider now employs more than 750 people across five office locations, serving more than 120,000 customers throughout 26 counties.

Gigaclear plans to reach one million rural homes and businesses in 2027.

With solid financial backing from leading European infrastructure investors, Gigaclear is committed to upgrading the communications infrastructure in rural England.

More than 2,700 homes and businesses in Marlborough and Manton are now able to access Gigaclear’s full fibre broadband offering ultrafast speeds up to 900Mbps.