TAUNTON School has agreed to sponsor the youth section of one of the area’s leading cricket clubs for three more seasons.

The school has provided support for youngsters at Taunton Deane CC since 2013 but has now extended the agreement.

The club’s youth section has grown to more than 150 players over the past 5 years with six youth teams and 75 youngsters on the under-11 coaching course to start them playing the game and progressing to the youth squads.

Taunton School’s Director of Sport, Hayley Mortimer, said: “We are extremely pleased to be linked with the junior section of Taunton Deane Cricket Club, which is thriving in numbers and demonstrating an excellent junior programme.

“With our link, we are looking to support Taunton Deane generate stars of the future and very much look forward to seeing some of these players playing for Somerset one day.”

Taunton Deane CC chairman, Mr Jason Squire, said: “Taunton School’s sponsorship and support has enabled us to enhance our training aids and coaching support network giving greater opportunities to our Youth section.

“They have also generously let us use their facilities for training and games when required – it really is a partnership which Taunton Deane Cricket Club value highly.”

Treasurer, Mr Steve Nelson, added: “The new agreement is fantastic news for the club and gives us a good level of security to continue with low-cost coaching for our youth section supporting the community.

“We have built a really good partnership with the school and its teachers and have seen many students joining our club which is great.

“We look forward to furthering the bond and it's great to see the school supporting our community work and hopefully finding the next Tom Abell or Jack Leach.”