A cricket club has been given a welcome cash boost which will be spent on improving its facilities.

Hatch End Cricket Club, based in Elstree, has like so many organisations, seen its finances hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

The club is need of new shower facilities and also wants to buy an electronic scoreboard, but money is tight.

But a Borehamwood-based business has come to the rescue with a donation which will help pay for the redevelopment of the showers.

Pratichi Chauhan, whose husband Amit Kumar Chhetri has played for Hatch End for five years, applied for some money through UK Power Networks' (UKPN) Team Sport award.

Mrs Chauhan, who works for UKPN at its Borehamwood office and also helps maintain the cricket club's clubhouse, has been able to secure £250 for the club.

Mrs Chauhan said: "This Team Sport funding from my employer is very welcome at what remains a difficult period for the club and its finances.

"Income was dramatically reduced by being unable to play the first part of last season and even when fixtures did resume the club could not use its bar fully.

"The club is expensive to run and came close to potentially folding before being kept afloat by private donations from its members.

"This latest funding will go towards two major projects for the clubhouse, improving its facilities for players and spectators and we hope by next season to be in a much better position."

The Team Sport Award scheme encourages UK Power Networks staff to volunteer in the community and is aimed at promoting healthy living, teamwork and development of sporting opportunities.

Hundreds of community and sports groups have benefited from grants since the scheme was set up. Last year over 70 teams benefitted to a combined sum of more than £18,000.