Derek Underwood, MCC president, formally opened Canterbury Cricket Club’s redeveloped ground at Polo Farm on Sunday.

Made possible by a £45,000 grant from the Community Development Programme, it will be available for regular use in 2010.

"I’m delighted to be able to play a small part in something that will help current and future generations of Canterbury CC’s cricketers," said Mr Underwood (pictured centre).

Canterbury club chairman Grahame Bennett added: "As one of a handful of clubs in Kent delivering the ‘Chance to Shine’ programme we are working hard to encourage youngsters to come into the sport, so this facility provides a tremendous boost."

In the final of the Twenty20 competition that followed, an Overseas’ XI captained by Justin MacVicar saw off a Club XI by 38 runs.

Earlier there were two last-over finishes which saw a Club XI defeat a Chairman’s XI by two wickets and the Overseas’ XI beat a Club Captain’s XI, that included Kent’s Martin Saggers.