A WOMAN at the forefront of women's Cricket is to set up Blackburn's first female team since 1957.

Maria Grant has only been in Blackburn since May but she has already made plans to end the 43-year exile.

The former executive director of the Women's Cricket Association and chairman and president of Lancashire Women's Cricket Association has arranged an eight week beginners' course in July.

And she is already looking ahead to next season where she is hoping the newly formed side will join the Lancashire Women's League.

Maria said: "Women's cricket is on the up and when I came to Blackburn I thought that the town could do with a side of its own."

While the training sessions will take place at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, the team will be based at Cherry Tree Cricket Club.

Maria has already enrolled the help of Brian Woodhead and Blackburn with Darwen Council's Cricket Development Group.

She added: "Everyone has been very helpful and we have the full support of Cherry Tree's committee. We are now looking at ways to obtain a grant to help fund the team."

Maria has been involved with cricket for the past 40 years but for the last 15 years she has spent setting up new women's cricket teams, mainly in the Cheshire area. Although she did not play at the highest level, she has been involved with the England team and has helped to raise the game's profile.

Now she is just looking for the players to get her latest project up and running.

Maria said: "Cricket is a wonderful game and has something to offer everyone. We are looking for a group of women who are keen to get involved in the game on a regular basis.

"They don't have to have any experience in the game but it helps if they have some co-ordination. That is why it usually appeals to hockey players."

The training sessions are open to players over the age of 15-years-old and will begin on Wednesday, July 5 between 7-9pm and is free of charge.