MUCH-NEEDED female changing facilities have been helped by a £1,000 donation from Rotarians to Ipplepen Cricket Club.

Newton Abbot Rotary Club donated the cash towards putting the final touches to the facilities.

Head coach Chris Partridge and the junior players in the club said a big thank you for the donation at their regular Friday evening practice session.

Chris said: ‘The whole village is actively behind the club in the development of, not just the men’s team, but also its major strides with the women’s and the junior teams – both boys and girls.

‘With encouragement of open membership the club now has more than 200 adult members and an impressive 165 junior members.’

Chris told the Rotarians about some of their cricketing successes.

He added: ‘The England and Wales Cricket Board has recognised our go-ahead club by supporting the upgrade of its facilities in a variety of ways, including the female changing facilities.

‘The Rotary donation is a big help in bringing this to fruition.’

Rotary president Kerry Larbalestier said: ‘We’re keen to support initiatives aimed at helping and encouraging the development of sporting activities for young people. This initiative is right up our street.

‘We’ve been active supporters of the SW Rotary Youth Games and this further donation, to help to improve the female changing facilities at Ipplepen Cricket Club, is another big step in our support of young people – especially in this case, helping to widen cricketing opportunities for girls and young women.

‘The village’s support and the club’s “equal opportunities for all” stance is an example to cricket clubs across the county.’