Kent Cricket Board has been given £500,000 to invest in the game over the next four years to support coaching in schools.

The county board will continue to deliver quality spring and summer term coaching and competition programmes to pupils of all ages across Kent as part of the Cricket Foundation’s Chance to Shine programme.

The aim of the Kent Cricket School Programme is to develop children’s life skills and sporting potential and to create a legacy for the future.

Clair Gould, director of operations at KCB, said: "Our involvement in the Cricket Foundation’s Chance to Shine programme has been fantastic so far.

"We have seen an increase in the number of young players attending our clubs as a direct result of our coaching in schools. It has also helped to increase the profile of our clubs and we will continue to forge stronger links with more local schools."

Steve Peyman, operations director at the Cricket Foundation, which raises funds and delivers ‘Chance to Shine supported by Brit Insurance’ through the 39 county boards, added "Our clubs are the backbone of Chance to Shine and are critical to the success of the programme.

"The county board help to co-ordinate the delivery of high-quality coaching and competitions to schools and, as a result, more than 39,509 children have joined local clubs from schools since Chance to Shine launched in 2005."

England’s Ashes winner and Chance to Shine ambassador, Lydia Greenway (pictured), said: "What Chance to Shine has done is fantastic. The main aim is just to get more people playing from an early age."