Pupils at St.Luke's Primary School in Hanley had the experience of a lifetime yesterday (28 March) when Stoke City footballer Andy Wilkinson and England cricketer Danielle Wyatt visited the school and took part in a special cricketing session.

The day launched Staffordshire Cricket's partnership with the Stoke City Community Trust. The school, whose previous students include the legendary Sir Stanley Matthews, has been part of the local Chance to Shine programme which is delivered through an agreement between the local cricket board, the Cricket Foundation and the community arm of the premier league club.

The non-cricket weather forced the session indoors, but it had little effect on either the young people taking part or Danielle Wyatt or Andy Wilkinson who were both got involved in the session.

Richard Adams, one of Stoke City Community Projects Officers, and Community Coach Eddie Jones led the session supported by cricket staff Bob Askey and Jenny Moore which culminated in a bowl off between England all-rounder Wyatt and City full-back Wilkinson.

Commenting at the event, Danielle said, "This (session) is fantastic to see. Chance to Shine is a great programme and works to get cricket back into schools. It's so important for the game and the work that Staffordshire Cricket are doing with Stoke City is tremendous."

Headmaster, Mark Barlow commented, "We're delighted with what Staffordshire Cricket and Chance to Shine are doing for us at school and the partnership with Stoke City seems to work on all fronts. The children love it and we're seeing their team work skills and confidence blooming as well as their cricket ability."