A cricket club will be able to build new practice nets as part of a £100,000 fund for community projects.

Braintree Council has announced eight successful applicants in the third round of its Mi Community scheme.

The lucky groups include Halstead Cricket Club, which has been given £25,000 for a three-lane practice area at its Star Stile ground, in Colne Engaine Road.

Captain Charlie Douglas-Hughes said: “We are all really pleased - it was a culmination of quite a lot of work through the winter and something we have been looking to do for a few years.

“It is a massive boost before the new season. The current nets are to the point of being dangerous so this new facility will give us room to expand.”