Accrington Cricket Club supporters have received a double boost with news that the club has signed a new professional and also been awarded a grant from the Community Foundation for Merseyside.

The club have signed all-rounder Roy Silva as their professional for the 2008 season.

The 27 year-old Sri Lankan plays for Moors Sports Club, and he comes highly recommended by his agent Gary Hunt and two of his team-mates who are familiar names in league circles, his captain the former Church professional Ruvin Peiris and Ashton paid man Anil Rideegammanagedera.

Silva has scored 2063 runs at 24.8 since making his debut for Sri Lanka Air Force Sports Club in 2001 with a top score of 171.

Last season, the right-hander opened the batting for his club but the opportunities to bowl his right arm medium pace were more limited, yielding just 2 of his 72 First-class wickets.

Silva's best bowling is 7-41 and he has scored three rirst-class hundreds and eight half centuries in 56 matches.

Silva, who will be the first Sri Lankan professional in the club's 162 year history, has returned a signed contract which was rubber-stamped by Accrington's Management Committee.

The club's Junior Section has been awarded a grant of £6,364 from the Community Foundation for Merseyside.

The cash will be used for junior coaching and the purchase of new equipment including nets, covers for the wickets, a water hog and various coaching aids.