The first rollout surface designed for use on synthetic cricket pitches is making its debut in Elmbridge.

The surface, designed by Nottsport, provides a realistic bounce and spin to that of grass, meaning all-weather youth cricket can be played in the borough for the first time.

The sports development team at Elmbridge Council successfully applied for £8,000 to purchase two cricket surfaces to be used on the synthetic turf pitch at Waterside Drive, Walton.

This will be first site to use the new surfaces for all-weather youth cricket.

Councillor Jan Fuller, portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said: “This is a very innovative and pioneering sports equipment to have in the borough and the synthetic turf pitch at Waterside Drive is the ideal site where to use it.

“It is bound to get more youngsters into cricket and the local accredited cricket clubs will be delighted to offer exit routes for those young people who want to continue playing the sport.”

For information about hiring, call Xcel on 01932 260300 or email enquiries@elmbridgexcelleisurecomplex.co.uk.