A campaign to get more people playing the Kentish sport of bat and trap has been launched by Shepherd Neame with the help of two county cricketers.

It comes on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Canterbury and District's League for the pub garden game.

Seen as a precursor to cricket, the game can be traced back to the 13th century.

But it was in Shepherd Neame's Ye Olde Beverlie’s large pub garden in St Stephen's in the city that the first bat and trap official league match was played in 1922.

As a long-time sponsor of Kent Cricket at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Shepherd Neame has now enlisted help from players George Linde and Matt Quinn to promote the game, filming a ‘how to’ bat and trap guide.

And new limited edition anniversary bat and trap kits have also been issued to eight Kent Shepherd Neame pubs - The Artichoke, Chartham; Bucks Head, Sevenoaks; The Evenhill, Littlebourne; Golden Lion, Sturry; Horse and Groom, Ramsgate; Tudor Rose, Upnor; White Lion, Selling as well as the original setting for the game, Ye Olde Beverlie.

The Artichoke in Chartham is among 30 teams that play across four divisions in the Canterbury and District League.

Licensee Holly Millin said: "When I took over the pub in 2021, I hadn’t previously played bat and trap, but I am definitely a fan now.

"We have two league teams and are fortunate to have a bat and trap pitch separate to our pub garden, where they play every Wednesday evening.

"We are always happy to welcome individuals and families to have a go when the league isn’t playing, as it is a fantastic way of bringing people of all ages together.

"I'm delighted that Shepherd Neame is championing this unique Kentish sport to encourage more people to get involved."

Shepherd Neame’s director of marketing and communications, Joanna Richardson, says the centenary of the league is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the game.

"We hope that our campaign will encourage individuals, families and friends of all ages to get outside and have fun together trying this unique Kentish sport.”

To launch the centenary celebrations, Shepherd Neame is holding a Bat and Trap Family Fun Day at Ye Olde Beverlie on Sunday.

The free drop-in event, taking place from 1pm to 6pm, offers the chance for people of all ages to try the game in the beer garden where it first began.

The first 30 people to arrive on the day will receive a free drink. Anyone interested in attending should email comms@shepherdneame.co.uk.

Shepherd Neame is also supporting a bat and trap competition taking place at Canterbury Rugby Football Club on Bank Holiday Monday.

Organised by Verum Financial LLP, the event is being held in aid of Kent Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Therapy Centre located near The Marine Travel Ground.

Registration starts at 3pm and the clubhouse bar will be open for the duration.

Shepherd Neame is providing a free first drink for players and winners will receive a tour of the Faversham Brewery and branded t-shirts.

Entering a team of six costs £50 and further sponsorship opportunities are available. Buy tickets here or email Matt Carr at matthewcarr@verumfinancial.co.uk.

For more information about the origins of bat and trap and how to play this unique game, visit Shepherd Neame's website.

The family brewer is also donating a bespoke bat and trap kit which will be kept by the MS Therapy Centre after the event for residents to enjoy.