Owzat for a grant!

Captain Paul Towle leads the celebrations at Staley

TWO local cricket clubs have been bowled over by a £100,000 grant to revamp their grounds as part of a £2 million investment from Sport England.

Stayley Cricket Club, Millbrook, and Thornham at Slattocks, will each get £50,000 to invest in their respective clubs.

In total, 40 sports projects across the North-West will share £2 million to improve local sport.

Stayley will put most of its money towards the construction of changing rooms — the club’s previous facilities burned down in an arson attack in 2005.

Club president, Dr Martin Harvey said: “This award is truly wonderful news. The next six months will probably turn out to be the most important period in the club’s 140-year history.”

Thornham will use the money to build new toilets, changing rooms and a multi-functional room that can be used for community events.

Club chairman Ian Heywood said: “We are obviously delighted to be awarded the funds, it’s a big boost to the club.