Around 600 cricket-mad youngsters at six schools in Oxford are benefiting from the 'Chance to Shine' initiative.

Run by the Cricket Foundation, the scheme is aimed at promoting cricket in state schools, and is being developed in the city by Oxford Cricket Club.

Club coaches are working with four primary schools Larkrise, Bayards Hill, St Andrew's and St Aloysius and two secondary schools Cheney and Oxford in a bid to boost the game in schools.

They are delivering 20 hours of coaching each week during school time.

In addition, the youngsters can look forward to inter-school games, after school clubs and cricket sessions during the school holidays at the club.

The scheme is being funded by the Cricket Foundation and leading solicitors Blake Lapthorn Linnell.