Schoolchildren have been putting bat to ball as part of a county-wide disability cricket programme.

Pupils from Woodlands School met trainers from the Middlesex Cricket Board (MCB) today at Lohana Cricket Club, in Bridleway, Harrow Weald.

The MCB runs the scheme in schools across Harrow and the rest of the county, giving children with disabilities the chance to play the sport throughout the year.

MCB coach Khushali Patel said: “I think for the children we deal with there are two main benefits to playing cricket.

“First it’s a great way to get them active. For a lot of the children there isn’t a chance to play much sport in their daily routine, so its a good way to keep them fit.

“Secondly it’s also a chance for them to learn to play as team and meet with kids from other schools.”

Teacher Rachael Soysa from Woodlands School said: “All the children really enjoy themselves and what’s important is that it’s a chance for them to be active outside their normal school day.

"It’s a great opportunity for them to do something completely outside their normal routine."

Other schools from Harrow which have taken part in the scheme include Alexandra School, in South Harrow and Whitmore Secondary school.

More than 35 schools across Middlesex have been taking part in the Chance To Shine programme to get more children introduced into playing cricket.

Lohana Cricket Club also has its own disability cricket scheme which has been running since 2010, offering coaching for people of all ages.