FORMER England bowler Martin Bicknell is putting young cricketers through their paces.

The right arm fast medium bowler, who lives in the village, has joined the existing coaches for a series of indoor nets throughout the winter, and club bosses fully expect the expert coaching to pay dividends on the field when the new cricket season starts in the spring.

Junior club chairman Piers Warburton said he was optimistic about “another memorable summer” thanks to 47-year-old former Surrey paceman Bicknell, who is in charge of cricket at Charterhouse in Godalming, joining the coaching ranks.

“Our excellent and dedicated club coaches have worked very hard and the children are really well prepared for the 2016 season,” he said.

“The boys and girls have hugely benefited from the ‘Bicknell factor’ and having a first-class player as an instructor has been a real privilege."

Summer training gets under way on April 8 at the village club near Hindhead.

“We have a few places remaining so I would encourage any parents who would like their children to join to register as soon as possible through our website. We always try to make room for new players. They are, after all, the lifeblood of our club.”

And Mr Warburton added: “Churt was founded in 1875, making it one of the oldest clubs in the area, and has a long and impressive heritage, something reflected in the recent award of our ECB Clubmark accreditation.

“Recent years have seen the juniors go from strength to strength and we want that to continue.”

Bicknell, who played alongside opening batsman brother Darren at Surrey, had Test best bowling figures of 4-84 in a nine-wicket win over South Africa at The Oval in 2003.

To join the club or for more details, visit churtcc.co.uk.