England and Surrey cricketer Mark Ramprakash will join forces with over 100 volunteers and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Development Officers to renovate Lingfield Cricket Club, Surrey, on 9th April.

The project will showcase the potential of enlisting volunteers to get involved in their local clubs. The ECB Development Department aims to recruit 10,000 volunteers for grass roots cricket through the NatWest Volunteer Support Programme by 2005, focusing on 2002 as 'The Year of the Volunteer'.

Mark will join the team painting and decorating, re-lay flooring and planting the area around the Pavilion, as will Caroline Atkins, England women's leading run-scorer during the winter tour to India. Both players will officially re-open the Lingfield CC Pavilion at 4pm.

Local support for the project has been outstanding, with Lingfield CC securing furniture from the Whitbread Group, a kitchen from MFI and paint and decorating materials from B&Q, all free of charge.

A new roof, ladies toilet, access ramp and drainage works also form part of the renovation following a grant from Tandridge District Council.

Keith Pont, the ECB Director of Development, said: "This is the biggest volunteer initiative that cricket has ever taken on and will inspire other clubs across the country to harness the talent of volunteers and improve their club facilities. It's essential that we create a good environment for boys and girls to come and play cricket and encourage them to get involved and look after their clubs in the future."

In addition to the England cricket stars, the ECB Roadshow will be at Lingfield, complete with NatWest flicx pitch, virtual reality headset game and other activities for children and adults who need a break from the painting!

Abi Searle, Sponsorship Manager NatWest said: "As part of the wider NatWest grass roots programme we are fully committed to the volunteers initiative and look forward to its continuing success."

Neil Henderson, Chairman of Lingfield CC, said: "We are delighted to be at the centre of this project. A newly-refurbished club house will have a massive impact on the community. This place is the hub of sporting activity in the area, with the rugby club and girl guides currently using the facility too."

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