Hundreds of villagers flocked to Norton in Hales last weekend to watch a cricket match with a difference.
Officers from Market Drayton Police Force teamed up with television presenter Nick Hancock to show off their cricketing skills for local causes.
The makeshift 11 competed against Norton in Hales Cricket Club and in doing so raised over £600.
PC Mick Sturland said the day was great entertainment for everyone involved and for the families who came along to watch.
Mick said: “We organised the event to get people together to try and raise some money for some good local causes.
“The event was made into a family fun day and we had a bouncy castle, some birds of prey on show and the kids could have their face painted. It was a really good day and we hope to take it around the patch and hold one each year.”
The highlight of the day was the appearance of former ‘They Think It’s All Over’ presenter Nick Hancock at the crease. However the television star, known to be a handy cricketer, was out for a duck.
Mick said: “We thought Nick was going to be our secret weapon but he was out after the second ball. He’s supposed to be quite a good player and came into his own in the field. Our two best players were PC Martin Powell, local officer for Market Drayton and PS Julian Hinds, sergeant for Wem – they put in a superb performance netting over 60 runs before they gracefully came off.”
Norton in Hales won the game by one run with two overs to spare.
The £600 raised will be split between the Donna Louise Trust Hospice for children, the Severn Hospice and some of the money will be put back into Norton in Hales.
Ron Lucas, chairman of Norton in Hales Parish Council, said: “The day was a great success, it was a real community day with a good atmosphere and good spirit. I think the police should be praised for organising the event and for getting involved in the community for which they deserve total praise.
“The parish council would like to say a big thank you to the police for organising the event and in particular to PC Paul Frank who has put in a lot of work while on paternity leave.”
By Joseph Masi
