Former England player James Taylor and England Women's Kate Cross inspired Manchester youngsters at Stretford CC, The Boundary on Wednesday (27th July).

Boys and girls from across the city took part in a summer cricket camp run by children's cricket charity, Chance to Shine, and supported by Waitrose.

The one-day camp put 90 children through their paces with batting, bowling and fielding drills followed by Kwik cricket games. The kids even had to work hard for their refreshments, peddling on Waitrose's smoothie bikes to blend fruit and make healthy drinks!

Speaking at the event, the Chance to Shine Coaching Ambassador reflected on the day. James said, Today's been fantastic! It's good to see so many boys and girls excited about playing cricket. These opportunities are so important for young cricketers to develop their skills whilst playing with their friends. I'm very happy to be here supporting Chance to Shine and the camps.

The smoothies and lunches provided by the Cheadle Hulme branch of Waitrose were definitely a hit with the children, with workers from the Altringham branch lending a hand on the day.

George, 6, expressed his excitement for the day, saying, I started playing cricket at three years old at the park with my dad and it's very good having James and Kate here. I know the game a lot better now and make me want to play when I get home as well!

Later, George couldn't wait to ask James Taylor if he could make the former England star a smoothie from Waitrose's smoothie bikes and quickly got to work, scurrying back with a smoothie for one of his England heroes; which James Taylor received with delight, saying, This is absolutely amazing!

Waitrose are supporting Chance to Shine camps over the summer and the retailer will donate £5 to Chance to Shine for every participant that signs up.

Waitrose Head of Marketing, Rupert Ellwood said, "Chance to Shine do such great work in getting children more active and cricket is a great way to learn important life skills like team work. We hope these camps will inspire the next generation of players."

This summer, donations from the public to Chance Shine will be personally matched pound for pound by one of the charity's Patrons Adrian Beecroft.