LAUNCESTON Cricket Club has been awarded £1,000 after being selected as Persimmon Homes South West’s Community Champion.

The club was selected by the South West business for the cash windfall with the club saying it will use the four-figure sum to build outdoor practice nets.

The Persimmon Homes Community Champions scheme is a national programme where charities and groups can apply for funding up to the value of £1,000 to match money they have already raised themselves. Nationwide the company will donate a total of £750,000.

Bill Glen, secretary of Launceston Cricket Club, said: “Our cricket club is at the heart of the community and we have been working hard to raise £30,000 to build outdoor nets for young cricketers aged between seven and 15 years and our Launceston Ladies team.

“It’s all so they can practice our great game and so far we have been promised £15,000 towards the total cost. We are hoping that the new nets will be built in the early part of this year.

“The donation from Persimmon Homes is greatly appreciated and it helps us get ever closer to our target.”

Nina Hester, sales director for Persimmon Homes South West, added: “Launceston Cricket Club displayed all the qualities to make a perfect Community Champion.

“It is clear they do so much for the local area and we are delighted to help their cause which helps so many people.

“We had a lot of nominations through and it is always difficult to choose so I would urge any charity or organisation that missed out this time to get in touch and apply.”