A charity cricket festival organised by Dartford’s MP raised more than £2,000 for two local charities.

The fun day on July 6 at Hesketh Park featured Gareth Johnson’s team versus a Dartford Cricket Club XI.

The money raised will go to the Arrow Riding Centre for the Disabled in Darenth and the youth sections at Dartford Cricket Club.

The day started with games of Kwik Cricket for youngsters followed by performances from Fleetdown School Signing Choir, Sly Moves Street Dance and Sapphire Dance and Drama Academy.

Fundraising stalls lined the pitch as the main event got underway.

Gareth Johnson said: “This fixture is now turning into a fairly large local event which is really pleasing.

“We had lots of different groups and organisations attending and enjoying the day.

“It’s an exciting time for the cricket club at the moment.

“They are getting a new pavilion later this year which will improve the facilities and enable more local people to get involved with the club, which is the oldest in the world.

Bluewater again sponsored the event but we also had great support from numerous small local businesses.

“I can’t claim my team was ever going to win but we had a lot of fun taking on a team from the cricket club.

“Sadly my cricket skills seem to be deteriorating year on year.

“Last year I was bowled out by a 13-year-old girl and this year I was taken out by an 11-year-old boy called Callum French after I had only scored a few runs.

“I guess it doesn’t hurt for politicians to be humbled every now and then.

“Callum took four wickets and scored 21 runs in the game and was named man-of-the-match at the end of the day.

“He is definitely one of many youngsters at the club to keep an eye on for the future.”

The game ended in a comfortable win for Dartford Cricket Club.