WHAT better way to celebrate England's victorious Ashes series than to take up the sport that is enjoying something of a renaissance?

Vale Royal Borough Council is offering children under the age of 11 the chance to benefit from professional cricket coaching in the hope that the next Freddie Flintoff or Kevin Pietersen will hail from the area.

The eight-week courses are designed for youngsters with little or no experience of playing cricket and will begin on Sunday, October 16, at Rudheath, Woodford Lodge and Frodsham leisure centres.

Simon James, senior cricket coach with Northwich CC, said: "The performance of England's cricket team in the Ashes has really caught the imagination of the nation and the enthusiasm for the sport has never been greater.

Fully qualified and police checked coaches from local clubs will be running these indoor clubs so I'm sure the children will really enjoy it and learn a lot."

Lead councillor for leisure John Grimshaw added: "We already provide one of the most comprehensive junior programmes in the country, but with England enjoying one of the most successful Ashes series in two decades, local cricket clubs have been inundated with children wanting to emulate the England team.

"Despite it being the end of the cricket season we are keen to encourage these youngsters' interest and decided to run these special indoor sessions to teach newcomers the basics."

For more information about the course, email James Birdsey at jbirdsey@valeroyal.gov.uk or ring 01606 867521.