A CRICKET club has been bowled over after it received more than £4,000 to help pay a new electronic scoreboard.

Bishop Auckland Cricket Club, on South Church Road, received the funding from Councillor Sam Zair, from his Bishop Auckland and Shildon neighbourhood budget.

His £4,420 was boosted by £500 put in by the cricket club.

The new scoreboard, which can be operated remotely, replaces an outdated magnetic one which was in need of repair.

Cllr Zair said: “I was only too happy to help when I found out they needed a new scoreboard. If it is helping Bishop Auckland then I am keen to be involved.

“If they have good facilities it will hopefully encourage young people to get involved and anything which gets them active is a good idea.”

John Hudspeth, of Bishop Auckland Cricket Club, said the first team had not lost since the new scoreboard had been installed.

“We are really pleased with it,” he said. “It will make a big difference and it is great for the club.”

The club has made a number of improvements in recent months and the committee is hoping to buy new sight screens in the nearer future.