MORE than 80 children kick-started their summer holidays by converging on The Avenue for March Town Cricket Club’s seventh spectacular three-day cricket festival.

Boys and girls aged 7-13 enjoyed visits from the police, fire and prison services as well as a host of activities including cricket and squash.

Children flocked to the bouncy castles while March’s top cricket coaches helped youngsters improve their batting, bowling and fielding.

The festival also saw special visits from the Fenland District Council community bus and Chatteris boxing star Jordan Gill.

Les Mills, the cricket club’s chaiman, said: “We call it a cricket festival but we do all sorts of other activities. It’s good fun and we are already thinking of ideas for next year.

“It’s amazing how many kids have come to the festival themselves before becoming helpers and then even coaches as they get older. It’s lovely to see youngsters develop into first team cricketers.”

The festival concluded on Thursday with a barbecue and presentation, which saw the youngsters awarded with goody bags, medals and certificates.

Mr Mills thanked everyone who had helped make the festival a success, adding: “You have helped numerous children have a great start to their summer holidays.”