A very special guest joined over 150 pupils from two Harrogate primary schools for a Yorkshire Festival of Cricket on the final day of Yorkshire Tea National Cricket Week, Friday 22nd June.

Matt Prior hosted a full day of cricket activities with children from Spofforth and Follifoot Primary Schools organised by the team at Yorkshire Tea and national cricket charity, Chance to Shine.

To kick off the day, Tom Bates from the Yorkshire Cricket Board led an MCC Spirit of Cricket assembly that culminated in an exciting bowl-off. The assembly taught children the importance of the values of hard work, fair play and respect that are vital to the integrity of the sport.

Next on the agenda was a Junior Journalist workshop with Year 5 and 6 students where they were given an opportunity to draft an article about their favourite sporting celebrations and learn about the different countries around the world who play cricket.

As part of the session Paul Jeeves, Head of News from the Yorkshire Post mentored students on reporting skills including writing and interview techniques.

Finally, pupils welcomed Prior for an afternoon of cricket coaching and drills. He took the schools down to Spofforth Cricket Club for an enormous coaching session before allowing them to put their newfound journalistic skills to the test with a Q&A.

Matt Prior said: “Coming to places like Spofforth gives the kids a chance to get involved in the game, which is so important for the future of cricket. These projects are so important in making sure as many youngsters as possible experience the event.”

Ben Newbury, Senior Brand Manager at Yorkshire Tea added:

“2018 marks the fifth year of National Cricket Week and our partnership with Chance to Shine, we’re really chuffed to be celebrating this milestone in our home town of Harrogate with the biggest event of the week!

“Thank you to Matt Prior, Chance to Shine and the staff and pupils at Spofforth and Follifoot for a super inspiring day.”

The Head Teacher for Spofforth and Follifoot Primary Schools said:

“Our pupils absolutely love cricket so today has been an incredible experience for everyone involved. We feel really lucky to have had such inspiring sports stars and journalists visit the school and speak to us about their accomplishments, the children will be talking about it for months!”

Yorkshire Tea National Cricket Week is a week of cricket-themed activity – in class and in the playground - for thousands of state schools across England and Wales. The week showcases the ongoing work of national cricket charity, Chance to Shine.

Since 2014, over 1,500 schools across England and Wales have taken part in Yorkshire Tea National Cricket Week each year. Chance to Shine works in over 5000 schools across the country. Over the last 13 years, Chance to Shine have given over four million children the opportunity to play and learn through cricket, 46% of whom are girls.

There's never been a better time to donate to Chance to Shine, as this summer donations are being matched £ for £ by charity Patron Adrian Beecroft. Click here to donate.