BOLTON'S sporting tradition of producing some of country's finest cricketers is set to continue with the creation of ten new cricket pitches.

Ten new artificial cricket pitches for young people to use have been installed throughout Bolton ­— with further funding to come for equipment and five years of maintenance.

The English Cricket Board has stumped up £100,000 to fund the new pitches.

The investment is part of a larger cash injection to improve sports facilities for young people.

The funding is part of a the "cricket unleashed" initiative by the English Cricket Board's (ECB) designed to get more young people interested in the game.

Players to come from Bolton include England and Lancashire player Haseeb Hameed, brothers Matt and Callum Parkinson, with Matt playing for Lancashire and Callum for Leicestershire.

Pitches have already been installed at two high schools: Ladybridge and Sharples, with further work planned at Turton High School, New House Farm fields (two), Barlow Park, Hulton Lane , Moss Bank Park and Church Road.

Shorter cricket games with fewer players, and promoted by the charity Last Man Standing, can also be played on the pitches.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture and Sport, Cllr John Byrne, said: "We want to encourage all people in Bolton to live active and healthy lifestyles, whatever activity they chose. Residents, young and old, will be able to use the pitches and try out the game.

"Cricket teaches teamwork, tactical thinking and physical skill, and Bolton has produced some of the country’s finest players over the years.

"I’m delighted that we as a council are giving more people the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful sport, especially with England hosting the world cup this year.”"

Residents will be able to book the pitches and equipment for free and turn up and play. Clubs will also be able to hire them for a full season.

Those at schools can be booked by contacting their leisure centres direct.

Once the park pitches have been installed people will be able to book them through the council.

The news comes as plans for a new 3G all-weather pitch for Kearsley Academy were given a green light.

The floodlit artificial grass pitch will be used by pupils at the school and the community.

Bolton Council has also proposed a grant of £700,000 towards the provision of the new facility, saying that the “enhanced playing field provision will provide pupils and the wider community with new facilities which are much needed”.

And says the academy, the lighting will be permanently switched off between the hours of 9pm and 9am Monday to Friday, between the hours of 6pm and 9am on Saturday and between the hours of 5pm and 9am on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Much of the work will take place after the exam season.

A spokesman for Northern Education Trust, which governs Kearsley Academy, said: "We are delighted that Kearsley Academy will be able to provide this new facility, which will meet the needs of students as well as providing access for the community and local sports teams. The health and well-being of our students is a prime concern for us, as is having a positive effect on the communities in which our schools are located. We look forward to the positive benefits these pitches will bring."