KENT and England cricketer Martin Saggers made his maiden appearance at Highfield Junior School in Bromley on Tuesday to mark national cricket day and encourage children to play the gentleman's game.

The event has been organised by Chance to Shine, the Cricket Foundation's campaign to boost support for cricket in state schools.

Saggers, who is working to support the Cricketer's View development in Beckenham, talked to pupils about his career, showed them his fast bowling technique and watched them play a match.

He said: "Cricket is not only excellent exercise but also teaches children self-discipline, confidence and how to work effectively as a team.

"I was keen to get involved in national cricket day as I believe cricket is incredibly important for children and I want to encourage schools to keep it firmly on the timetable.

"There's no better way of producing cricketers from the grass roots up and you never know, we may have just found future England players at Highfield Junior School."

Susan Duke, cricket coach and Chance to Shine manager for Hayes Cricket Club, said: "Chance to Shine is the single biggest school sport programme in this country and it is delivered through good cricket clubs with the support of other partners.

"Cricket, played regularly in competition, gives children the opportunity to lead healthy, purposeful and balanced lives.

"They have great fun, get fit and develop team skills.

"We'd like to thank Martin Saggers for supporting this initiative and hope this will encourage school children to enjoy the spirit of cricket."

Saggers is lending his support to the creation of 55 new homes at Cricketer's View in Beckenham, which is located opposite the Kent County Cricket Club.

For more information about Cricketer's View, visit the marketing suite on Worsley Bridge Road, visit Bryant.co.uk or call 0845 026 5570.