How's that for sporting gesture

A MAJOR local employer has teamed up with Prince Charles to give North Wales cricket a major boost.

Castle Cement has, through the Prince's Trust, stumped up more than £2,000 for the historic Pontblyddyn Cricket Club – one of the oldest in Wales. Officials say the money will go towards the continual improvement of the facilities for the North Wales Cricket League side.

The club, which can be traced back to 1860 but some say it may even date back to 1827, has spent a lot of money updating the ground and facilities for the junior players.

Secretary Beryl Holt said: "We have one of the best junior sections in Wales and the support will also help improve things for the senior players."

This is not the first time that Castle Cement's Padeswood plant has helped out the Pontblyddyn club. The ground was severely damaged during the floods that devastated North Wales in 2000 and the company stepped in to help with repairs. There have also been cash donations and assistance promoting the club's main fundraiser, the annual duck race.

Mrs Holt added: "It is fantastic that we have been given this money. We can do some much-needed maintenance work and improve our facilities for the juniors. Castle Cement has helped us a lot over the years."

Danny Coulston, general manager at Padeswood works said: "We are happy to help such a valued and established club as Pontblyddyn and we wish them every success in the coming season."