The Cowgate sports pavilion, in Newcastle, was being opened on Wednesday by the city's Lord Mayor Councillor David Slesenger.

It is part of a nationwide scheme to encourage more young people from inner cities to take up the sport.

The opening ceremony was being followed by a cricket festival for pupils from five city schools.

Funding for the scheme has come from the Single Regeneration Budget and Newcastle City Council's leisure services department.

It has also been supported by Bondcare, formerly known as Helen McArdle Homes, which provided funding after building a care home on land nearby.

The scheme has also been backed by the English Cricket Board.