SCHOOL children from Hereford had the chance to see the Cricket World Cup last week as part of its 100-day tour across the country.

Aylestone School played host to the trophy as the sport seeks to engage new fans ahead of the tournament starting in May.

Over one million people are expected to attend matches of the ICC Cricket World Cup which comes to England and Wales between May 30 and July 14.

A further 1.5 billion are expected to watch the event around the world.

For the 100 days prior to the start of the tournament, the World Cup trophy is travelling the length and breadth of the country on its Trophy Tour.

As part of the day school children from Broadlands Primary and Withington Primary played mini games of cricket with Dave Thomas, Schools Cricket Development Officer from Herefordshire Cricket and James Handley PE Teacher from Aylestone School.

Simon Robertson, Executive Headteacher at Aylestone School, Broadlands and Withington Primary Schools, said: "We were proud to be chosen to host the Cricket World Cup's visit to Herefordshire.

"Our pupils were very excited to be able to get so close to the trophy and they all really enjoyed taking part in the mini games of cricket.

"Being part of the World Cup Trophy Tour was a great experience for everyone involved and I'm sure it will be an occasion our children will remember for a long time."

Steve Watkins Operations Director at Herefordshire Cricket added: “The arrival of the Cricket World Cup trophy in Hereford is an important milestone in promoting the tournament and cricket in the county.

"We are looking forward to an exciting summer of cricket in schools and clubs and hopefully watching England lift the trophy on the July 14.”

Cricket clubs from around the county are joining in with World Cup fever, planning events throughout the summer.

Eight clubs have so far received a Cricket World Cup grant from the ECB to upgrade their facilities.

These include installing broadband to broadcast the world cup games live and upgrading their catering facilities.

If you are a club and want to know more about this fund then please contact the Herefordshire Cricket Office.