DARWEN Cricket Club is to undergo a complete makeover as part of plans to improve community links and encourage more youngsters to take up the sport.

The club is inviting more than 100 people to take part in the refurbishment of the club and its grounds at Sandy Lane and Birch Hall on April 8 and 9.

Bosses at the Northern League club are also appealing to local businesses for a small cash donation or a donation of materials from their wanted' list which includes building materials, DIY materials and electrical equipment, outdoor seating, signage, plants and catering.

Members and residents will be asked to help out with a number of schemes including: l Decorating inside the clubhouse l Refurbishing practice nets l Building an extension to the equipment store l Refurbishing the score box l Painting the perimeter fence l Providing car access to its Sandy Lane site l Decorating changing rooms at the Sandy Lane site.

The club hopes the facelift, part of the Nat West CricketForce 2006 scheme, will improve the ground for players and help expand its links with schools and local community organisations and businesses.

Ian Cordingley, club development manager, said: "We have ambitious plans for the weekend so to make it successful we need expertise, volunteers' time and support.

"The cost of purchasing materials and hiring equipment is expected to be around £1,000 so to cover this we are asking local businesses to contribute some materials and offer financial support and we hope residents come and help out.

"The club is also joining forces with Darwen Rangers to improve facilities at Sandy Lane."

There are currently 100 youngsters, across seven junior teams, linked to Darwen Cricket Club, as well as four senior teams, a focus club for people with disabilities, community group meetings in the clubhouse and local cricket league finals and district junior matches on the ground.

Anyone wanting to get involved or provide donations should contact Ian Cordingley on 01254 725185.