CELEBRITIES and famous cricket players helped raise £4,600 for Devizes Opportunity Centre which helps pre-school children with special needs.

The money was raised at a match between Bishops Cannings Cricket Club and the Bunbury XI at Bishops Cannings’ ground in Coate in September.

As well as raising money for charity the match was held to celebrate Bishops Cannings’ 25th anniversary and the official opening of their new pavilion.

Among the Bunbury players were Merlin actor Rupert Young and Hampshire cricketers Jimmy Adams and Liam Dawson.

Gloomy skies and predicted rain shortened the match to a 20/20 over match but the amount raised was £8,600 of which £4,000 has gone to the Bunbury charity and the remainder to Devizes Opportunity Centre.

Of the £4,600, £600 was from profits from the bar run by Devizes Round Table.

Ed Davies, chairman of Bishops Cannings Cricket Club, said: “Devizes Opportunity Centre helps children whose needs range from mild to severe disabilities. We are a community orientated club and the Opportunity Centre supports local families.

“We got sponsorship of £6,500 from local businesses to cover the marquee costs at the match, which was exceptional support.”

Betty Newman, manager of Devizes Opportunity Centre, said the donation of £4,600 would help towards its deficit this year. The centre has to continually fundraise to cover its costs due to funding cuts.

She said: “At the beginning of the year our deficit was £40,000, now we have got £10,000 to find.

“The donation from Bishops Cannings Cricket Club and Devizes Round Table is an amazing amount and we are really grateful. It takes us nearer our target and means we can maintain the vital service we provide to very needy children.”