Canon Frome Cricket Club starts a new season with a storm-damaged pavilion, a broken boiler and a need for new equipment.

Now the club fears its problems could lead to it being thrown out of the Marches League or landed with a fine, unless more money can be found and the situation improves.

Last autumn, the wooden pavilion at its Ashperton ground was severely damaged by storms and the call went out to the community for money to help fund a new structure.

No cash was forthcoming and two weeks ago, before the first game of the season, the team carried out emergency repairs and a clean up to the existing facility.

The club's fundraising co-ordinator Ian Newberry said: "We repaired the roof, cleaned out leaves, repainted the inside because of mildew damage. It was horrendous.

"It would be nice to have a brick-built pavilion, instead of an unstable wooden thing. It wouldn't take much of a wind to do the same sort of damage."

To make matters worse, the boiler serving the team's showers has just broken down and Marches League rules state that hot showers are a requirement for entry.

Mr Newberry said: "We could be thrown out of the League, or risk paying a penalty."

Now the team is hoping that local businesses will sponsor them and that someone will be able to provide a new boiler.

Mr Newberry said: "We are selling raffle tickets for the English Cricket Board's grand draw, and we can keep 100 per cent of the proceeds. We desperately need some money because we have zilch in our account."

The club is also hoping to somehow find around £5,000 to boost its equipment and facilities. New mowing equipment is on the list, as are new practice nets.

Lottery cash is out of the question, because the club neither owns its grounds at Ashperton, nor has a lease with terms that would satisfy the criteria to obtain funding.

Anyone wishing to help should phone 01531 670955.