HAMPSHIRE batsman John Crawley took delivery of a £750 cheque for the Howzat school cricket appeal from accountants Langdowns DFK.

The Eastleigh-based firm awarded him £50 for every half century he scored over the 2004 cricket season.

The Howzat appeal from the Hampshire County Cricket Youth Trust aims to give each child in primary school and the lower years of secondary school the chance to play cricket.

Former England test player Crawley said: "The money will help grass-roots cricket in the county."

Langdowns' sponsorship was to mark the 50th anniversary of the accountancy and business advice firm. During that time it has grown from a small family business to a firm with 60 staff and international clients.

The company's Andrea Campbell Smith said: "We wanted to put something back into the community where our company thrives."