ENGLAND bowler James Anderson visited Sutton Cricket Club last Wednesday when the MCC held a three-day fun cricket camp for children.

The MCC Spirit of Cricket camp gave children aged nine to 12 a fantastic opportunity to discover more about cricket during the school holidays.

Each child received expert coaching from qualified coaches, takes part in games and competitions and on Wednesday they met England and Lancashire bowler James Anderson.

Anderson, who took the final two West Indies' wickets to seal victory for England in the second Test encouraged the children in the final stages of the tournaments, signed their certificates and presented the prizes.

The MCC Spirit of Cricket Camp is the final stage of a programme that has taken cricket into twelve areas around the country - including Sutton.

These areas have been chosen because there is little or no cricket activity available within the curriculum. The aim is to promote an interest and participation in the game, rather than simply focusing on excellence.

Earlier during the summer term coaches visited schools in the area.

They have helped children become interested in cricket and have also provided training for teachers to enable coaching to continue after the camp.

The MCC specialist coaches visit each school on at least three occasions. Any child who wishes to continue playing after the camp is encouraged to join a local cricket club, and the first year's fees are paid for by MCC. The Challenge is funded jointly by MCC and the Foundation for Sport and the Arts.