Work has begun on the new net facility for Honiton Cricket Club.

If 2016 was the year of fund raising – the club had to find £38,000 for the project – then 2017 is most certainly the year of the nets being put up, and then serving the cricket club for the benefit of cricketers young and old, make and female.

When completed, the Mountbatten Park nets are going to provide the cricket club with some of the finest training facilities in East Devon.

Machinery is now in place to begin the construction phase.

Cricket club chairman Andrew Lapping says: “We are so excited to see the start of the work on the new nets and I am keen to ensure that we all say a resounding thank you to Clive [Carvell] and his team at MKM Building Supplies of Honiton for their wonderful contribution of the materials needed for the project.”

The club are looking for help for help with the fixing of the nets between January 9 and 13.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Pete Matravers on 07824 379188.

In addition to the MKM Building Supplies assistance, the club are also most grateful to Tesco who are providing labour for the project and amongst the companies and business’s to also play big parts in the project are; Fred Champion Groundworks, Devon Tiles & Bathrooms, AWP, Old Mill, Clifton Emery Design, Ruddlesden Geotechnical, Steve Hoskins Construction and PFG Fabrications.

The completed project will undoubtedly prove a huge boost to all involved at the club which will once again field two senior teams in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League whilst also provide plenty of coaching and matches for youth teams in addition to Sunday and friendly cricket.