HAMPSET Every youth player at Hampset Cricket Club will take to the field in smart new training tops this summer thanks to the generosity of four local firms.

Despite difficult economic conditions, Touchstone, Cross Manufacturing, Jelf Financial Planning and AC Electrical Services have all offered donations to the Odd Down-based club to help improving facilities and equipment.

Hampset was founded in 1940 and celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.

It proudly hosts up to 120 boys and girls, aged between seven and 16 years old, and has gained a reputation as a friendly club which welcomes children of all abilities.

The club is run solely by volunteers and all running costs are raised by the activities of its members. It is therefore delighted that the youth section has secured sponsorship for the coming season.

Touchstone, a property management company based on Clarks Way, Odd Down, employ 150 people from Bath and the surrounding area.

Director John Midgley said: "Since moving our offices to Odd Down, we are keen to play a part in the local community and we are really pleased to be able to support Hampset Cricket Club in their provision of sporting facilities for young people.

"We are delighted to be able to support Hampset Cricket Club by providing them with the funds to purchase shirts for their junior members.

"We hope that this will be the start of a long-term relationship between a local employer and the club."

Hampset chairman Jon Flagg said: "We have long spoken about the opportunities we offer any potential sponsor or partner so we are absolutely delighted that we've stopped talking about it and got on and done it.

"I am extremely grateful to Gary Lewis and Mark Matthews, two loyal club members, who have led this project with great success, showing real passion for what our club stands for and achieves.

"We have managed to attract some really useful funds to support our highly successful youth section while building good relationships with some prestigious local businesses.

"Hopefully these will prove to be long-term relationships and mutually beneficial.

"For me, this is also further recognition of the great work we do in the local community and for the young people of Bath."

Hampset is currently looking for 18 match day sponsors for the coming season. Anybody interested should contact Jon Flagg on flagg@bdycl.co.uk.

The club would also like to thank Richard Wright, of Silver Fox Sports, for his assistance in supplying playing shirts of excellent quality.