A new artificial cricket wicket has opened in East Molesey, allowing youngsters to try their hand at a new sport.

The new facility, which will be fully available next season, was launched with East Molesey Cricket Club Colts (EMCC), who is the first club to use the innovative equipment.

The strip, which provides realistic bounce and spin, will let the sport be played in all weather and is hoped it will encourage more youngsters to try their hand at the sport.

Councillor Jan Fuller, deputy mayor of Elmbridge, said: “We are really impressed by the quality of the Colts practice on the artificial wicket and hope they will be using it again for future training.”