THE view from the boundary will never have been so good for visitors to a North-East cricket club this season.

Barnard Castle CC has received grants totalling £2,250 to pay for new spectator seating.

The Northstar Housing Group has donated £1,250 for four benches which will be situated in a new seating area cut from a banked area at one of the NYSD league side's ground.

A further £1,000 has been received from the Co-operative Community Fund to buy a further three benches to replace others which have come to the end of their useful life.

John Walker, partnerships and communications officer, said: “Our increased community focus has led to our home fixtures, junior nights and community events attracting greater numbers of people across all ages.

“A downside to our success is the inability to provide sufficient seating as we have a limited number of benches around the ground and what is available is coming to the end of its serviceable life.

“We also have a significant number of elderly people who come to watch and this often means people have to sit on the ground or stand, which is neithre comfortable or appropriate, particularly for those with disabilities.”

He added: “We need to make sure the facilities we offer are suitable and of a high standard.”

Other improvements being carried out at Barnard Castle CC during the current off-season include the installation of new practice pitches.