CRICKETING stars helped make the grand opening of a new cricket ground in Bowerchalke a real money-spinner for force’s heroes at the weekend.

The likes of batting legend Graeme Hick, former Aussie pace man Jeff Thomson and current county side stars came along to help the event go with a swing on Sunday.

Celebrity team Bunbury Cricket Club faced-off against Chalke Valley Cricket Club to celebrate the opening of its new purpose-built ground at Butts Field, given to the club for a peppercorn rent by resident Caroline Rawle.

Although the celebrity team triumphed there were no hard feelings and club captain Mark Cuff claimed the wicket of Hick.

There was also an auction, a country fair with demonstrations by local artisans, family entertainment, the Anonymous Travelling Market, classic cars and motorbikes, steam engines and a flypast by a World War Two Spitfire.

The event raised £24,000 to be split between forces charity Help for Heroes, the English Schools’ Cricket Association and the club’s ground appeal.

Club secretary James Holland said: “It was a fantastic occasion, everyone turned up and we raised a lot of money.”

Chairman Peter Walker added: “It was a wonderful launch for the return of cricket to Bowerchalke after some 25 years.”