FORMER England paceman Simon Jones said that the new Eastnor pavilion is the 'best he's seen'.

The Ashes-winning star came to the picturesque Clenchers Mill Lane ground to open the £250,000 building on Sunday.

"I didn't know what to expect when I came here and you hear of pavilion openings all the time but this is probably the best that I have ever seen," he said.

"For a club ground, this is so impressive and it shows the hard work that everyone has put in to get it here.

"The thing that struck me the most is the passion that everyone here at Eastnor has. They all want what is best for the cricket club and for the village.

"I imagine that it's a great place to play your cricket and it's a pleasure to be here.

"It's a lovely ground and so picturesque with the castle in the background. It's easily in the top 10 grounds that I have seen."

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, performed by Jones was the centre-piece of a beautiful late-summer's day which featured the club's junior presentations and a 'Fathers v Sons' T20 match either side of the official opening and a superb lunch prepared by the club's ladies committee.

Speakers included ECB facilities and investment manager John Huband and past club president Mike Kidd, who paid tribute to the hard work carried out by many club members, including Steve Hughes, who managed the successful fundraising day against Lashings and was presented with a Lashings signed shirt.

Club chairman and driving force Jim Sandford added his thanks to all who had played a part in the construction of the new building, including architect Chris Knock.

"There has been a lot of hard work and I can't express how much Malcolm Hughes has helped with this project," said Sandford.

"He has stood by me and been like a brother. We have made big decisions and the club has backed us up.

"Hopefully this sustains the future of the club for the next 50 years - when I'm old and grey I hope that the youngsters will take it on.

"It's a very proud day for me and for the club."