Entrepreneurs bowled over by Belvoir Cricket and Countryside Trust's work with special needs children

The Star Trust, which has a proud record of supporting youngsters with disabilities across the East Midlands, has stumped up in excess of £1,900. The money will benefit around 400 youngsters aged eight to 16 in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

The Belvoir Cricket and Countryside Trust, led by former Surrey, Nottinghamshire and England A cricketer Darren Bicknell, delivers kwik and table cricket coaching to children with learning and physical disabilities through an in-school programme.

The youngsters then take part in an annual tournament held in Nottingham. They’re also invited to attend a cricket and countryside education day on the Belvoir Castle estate in the summer term. They take part in a cricket session, learn from local people such as the farmer and gamekeeper, visit the kennels and see birds of prey, gundog and fishing demonstrations.

Darren said: “The aim is to inspire children with disabilities to overcome their challenges through the power of sport while the visit to the castle gives youngsters with special needs the opportunity to experience activities otherwise unavailable to them.

“We are delighted that the Star Trust has chosen to support us. We are working closely with the Lord’s Taverners and the county cricket club boards to expand our programme and reach out to more special needs children, but this can only happen with the help of external funders.”

Cleo Lacey, Star Trust committee member, said: “We’re pleased to be able to support the Belvoir Cricket and Countryside Trust in the outstanding work it does with children right across the region and we look forward to seeing the in-school programme reach even more children in the East Midlands.”