YOUNGSTERS in the borough are learning to belt it like Kevin Pietersen and spin it like Monty Panesar thanks to a new cricket academy.

The Canons Cricket Academy is going from strength to strength with more than 40 wannabe stars of the future taking part in free Saturday morning coaching sessions.

The initiative was launched after a survey revealed that many youngsters wanted to play cricket, but could not because of a lack of accessible opportunities locally.

Last week, 15 of the students were invited to watch a Twenty 20 cricket match between Middlesex and Hampshire.

Despite the poor weather, the cricket fanatics were treated to a thrilling match, with local heroes Middlesex winning by just five runs.

After the match they met Middlesex director of cricket, former Test player John Emburey, who signed autographs and wished the students every success with their cricket.

Sports development officer Ben Rawlings said: "We are extremely grateful to the Harrow Police for supporting this exciting initiative. We are looking forward to some of the young people becoming cricket coaches in their own right."

Harrow Police have supported the initiative, which was launched in March 2006, by funding the academy's all weather astro pitch and by providing a volunteer coach.

The Saturday morning sessions are held at Canons High School, Edgware, from 10.30am to 2.30pm.