Former England star Paul Nixon visits Denbigh High School

Wicket-keeper/batsman Nixon, who scored more than 20,000 runs in a career with England, Kent and Leicestershire, was on hand to run a coaching session with just some of the youngsters who will benefit from the programme in Bedfordshire.

For many young people in disadvantaged communities there is a distinct lack of locally accessible and high quality cricket clubs or facilities.

The Wicketz programme aims to combat this issue by creating sustainable cricket clubs in these areas.

Working with Capital Kids Cricket and local cricket boards, the Wicketz programme has helped over 2,200 disadvantaged young people since 2012 and Luton is one of the areas outside of London which has been identified for the next stage of the programme.

Nixon said: “It was fantastic to see so many of the children enjoying the session and trying to emulate their heroes.

“The Lord’s Taverners are doing great work through programmes such as this to give youngsters a sporting chance. The Wicketz programme is creating a buzz about the sport and those taking part are meeting new friends, learning new skills and also having fun.”

The Wicketz programme in Luton holds weekly sessions at Denbigh High School and Ashcroft High School with a third to be announced soon.

The three Wicketz clubs will each be linked to cricket clubs in Luton.

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