The old roller at Stobswood Welfare Cricket Club, built in 1946, is way past its best and £12,000 is needed for a new one.

It has currently secured about £8,000 in grants, including £5,000 from Castle Morpeth Council's Community Fund Panel, but the Borough award requires the money to be spent by September 15.

Club Secretary and First Team Captain Ian Watson said: "We bought the old roller second hand about 20 years ago and have got good use out of it, but recently we have had major problems with it and we desperately need a new one.

"Without a working roller, you can't play on the wicket as it would be very bumpy and therefore unsafe, especially for juniors.

"Unfortunately, we have had knockbacks from local companies for funding, not helped by the tough times everyone is having, so we have gone down the grants route to get some money in.

"As we have to spend the Council money by the middle of next month, we are arranging with the roller company to pay in instalments, which will give us a bit more time to find the rest of the money."

The club will hold a barbecue event, weather permitting, at the weekend to raise cash and is looking into selling the old roller, as across the country they are being repainted and put on display at vintage shows.

Stobswood currently has two Saturday teams, one midweek team and one junior team that play at the Welfare Ground.

To contribute towards the club's funding efforts, contact Mr Watson by telephone on 01670 791230 or 07811 435799, or via e-mail — ianernwatson@aol.com.