Derek Underwood, colts captain Louis Skinner, 11, and Don Newick, 80, ex-player and employee of Alfred Reader

by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Businesses have been invited to go into bat for a cricket club in a village at the heart of the game for 200 years.

Teston Cricket Club, founded in 1895 - nearly a century after Alfred Reader set up his iconic cricket and hockey ball factory in the village - has launched a £30,000 appeal for a new pavilion.

It will replace the former temporary school classroom, which has been the club's pavilion for 30 years and is now well past its sell-by date.

The new pavilion will cost £80,000, but club chiefs are confident of winning grants to complete the project.

They have received a message of support from Kookaburra, the firm that took over the Reader brand but maintains the distinctive Kent Invicta symbol and Teston name on every Readers ball.

Firms are being invited to sponsor boundary banners at £300 a time and become official club sponsors.

England and Kent legend Derek Underwood was guest of honour at the launch.

He said: "This is part of our history, part of our tradition, the game of cricket has been played in Teston since 1895 and we have to protect that.

"A pavilion is a social area, and vitally important. It will attract new members, new youngsters and the development of the game will be assured."

Club chairman Keith Jarrett said the launch marked a milestone in the club's history. If the fundraising target is reached, the new pavilion is due to open for the 2014 season.

For more information, email testoncc@gmail.com.