As part of an initiative to encourage children into sports and showcase the opportunities available, organisations joined forces for an afternoon of fun.

Over 80 local children hopped onto a Pilkington Bus and were transported to The Property Shop Arena, Accrington Cricket Club for an afternoon off school!

Children from Moorend School, St Mary Magdalen’s School and Peel Park Primary School has a great time and were treated to a range of activities from All Stars Lancashire County Cricket Club, Hyndburn Leisure Trust and The Accrington Stanley Community Trust.

Three first team players from Accrington Cricket Club, James Hayhurst, Mark Taylor and Ellie Davy, also joined them and were on hand to answer any questions the children may have about the sport or getting involved in the local cricket club.

Mr. Fielding, Teacher at Moorend School said:

“We have always stressed the importance of healthy lifestyles and today we are doing all kinds of activities to keep up moving. They have really enjoyed it and it’s a fantastic idea, thanks so much to all involved.”

Ross Atkinson, All Stars Lancashire County Cricket Club said:

“We have about 70,000 kids playing nationally this year and we are looking to get more children involved in this. I encourage all to come down to Accrington Cricket Club to get involved this summer.”

Lyndsey Sims, CEO of Hyndburn Leisure Trust said:

“We ran a gymnastics workshop at the event which has been a huge success, all the children really enjoyed it. We want to celebrate and encourage more children to be young and active, this is a fantastic place to do that and a great club in Accrington.”

Miles Parkinson, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council said:

“It was a fantastic day, it’s always wonderful to see children enjoying activity and taking part in sport. It’s a great achievement for all those involved and great to see what we have here in the borough being showcased. There is a huge range of facilities here in Accrington, there is so much going on and it’s all at minimal cost too, I urge families to see what the local clubs and classes have to offer, there really is something for everyone.”

Steven Chippendale, Joint Managing Director of Property Shop said:

“It’s great to see children here using the facilities available right on their doorstep. It is an honour to sponsor Accrington Cricket Club and see all the great work they are doing.

Many of the children have never played cricket before and giving them this opportunity to have a go, and also at gymnastics and football, is fantastic. Thank you to Pilkington Buses for getting them all here and for all those who made this event possible. Everyone had a great afternoon and I’m sure some of them will be back soon with their families too.”