TONGE Cricket Club is getting its ground up to scratch in time for the new season — and is looking for volunteers.

The club, in Back Tonge Moor Road, is being given a spring clean and tidy up tomorrow and Sunday.

The work is part of Natwest CricketForce 2014, an initiative which encourages members of cricket clubs and the community to join forces to get grounds ready for the new season.

With Tonge Cricket Club’s first game due to take place on Sunday, April 20, about 20 to 30 volunteers are needed to paint, tidy, and do woodwork and general maintenance jobs.

This is the first time the club has invited the public to work on the ground.

Paul Schofield, chairman of Tonge Cricket Club, said: “It should be a really good event. It’s really important for us to have community cohesion in the area.

"Anything we can do to bring the community together is brilliant. The more volunteers we get the better.”

Mr Schofield’s son Tom, aged 22, is a member at the club, and will be part of the voluntary team.

He said: “Without the help of the community, this club wouldn’t be what it is now. I’m hoping that as many as possible will turn up.”

The club already has volunteers from Bolton Community and Voluntary Services (CVS) along with Bolton Council and Bolton at Home.

It has also received about £400 of materials from the builders merchants Jewsons.

As tomorrow is Grand National Day, the club’s bar will be open and food will be available at no extra cost.

Work on Tonge Cricket Club will be carried out from 9am until 3pm on both days.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering for this event at the club or wants to find out more should contact Paul Schofield before tomorrow on 07882 802754 or email pauljscho@hotmail.co.uk.