MEMBERS of one of Winchester's newest cricket clubs are celebrating after being awarded almost £3,000 to get them up and running.

The Bird in the Hand Activity Centre applied for financial help with kitting the team out with new cricket whites, equipment and administration costs.

The charity, which helps people recovering from long-term mental health problems, received £2,760 from a lottery grants scheme called Awards for All.

Mick Turner, services support worker at the centre, said: "A lot of the guys were enthusiastic to play cricket and we had enough for a team so we entered the local league. It's the first game many of them have played competitively for years.

"We had been begging and borrowing to get started but now with this money everyone will have the right gear."

The team, which regularly plays at North Walls recreation ground, will receive regular coaching and take part in local competitions.

Clients, volunteers and staff members from The Bird in the Hand Centre, based in Chesil Street, all play in the team.

Awards for All donates lottery grants ranging from £500 to £5,000 to scores of local community projects.

Two other Winchester-based groups recently received money from the organisation. The Winchester and District Neighbourhood Mediation Service was given £5,000 to help volunteers train to become mediators and to assist in the group's activities.

It provides a free service for people who are in dispute with neighbours.

Weeke Manor Townswomen's Guild received £754 for its arts and crafts section.

Members will use the money to go on visits to museums and exhibitions to view and develop their interest in tapestries, patchwork, and silk manufacture.

Awards for All particularly wants to hear from projects that celebrate local history or bring heritage to life.

To find out more, access their website at www.awardsforall.org.uk