SIX-YEAR-OLD Westonbirt Prep School batsman James Trevithick faced the toughest ball of his career from one of England's best bowlers.

And after a bit of coaching from former England international Paul Jarvis, the Year 2 pupil hit a ball for a quick single.

Jarvis, from Sherston, was officially opening the school's new all-weather cricket pitch.

The pitch will make a massive difference to Westonbirt which, due to pitch conditions, didn't host a home match last year.

Jarvis played in nine Tests and 16 One Day Internationals for England from 1988 to 1993.

He said: “Having a pitch such as this gives children an opportunity to play a sport, to be involved in a team and to pick up basic skills.

“Learning on an all-weather pitch is so beneficial to young players because it produces an even bounce which helps them develop their batting skills.”

The pitch was made possible by the Friends of Westonbirt Prep which raised £3,200 for the project. It was fitted by Bradleys Surfacing.

It has already had a positive impact. In their first home match, Westonbirt beat Grittleton by 30 runs. The team of U8 and U9 boys hit 254 runs, losing only two wickets in comparison to Grittleton's total of 224 runs for five wickets down.