England vice-captain Heather Knight helped launch Wymondham College's new cricket coaching initiative.

Eastern Daily Press: England international Heather Knight coaches pupils at the launch of Wymondham College's cricket academy.England international Heather Knight coaches pupils at the launch of Wymondham College's cricket academy. (Image: Submitted)

The programme has been entirely funded by former students, with their donations being used to bring in professional cricket coaches and support the school's first girls team.

Sport England has contributed £4,000 for equipment and an additional £7,000 has been donated by 'Old Wymondhamians' in the first year of the initiative.

Over 30 students and 25 guests enjoyed the launch event, which saw Knight involved with the boys and girls coaching masterclasses.

Guests were told of plans to raise funds for a multi-sport pavilion and ways they can donate to support the coaching programme.

Eastern Daily Press: England international Heather Knight coaches pupils at the launch of Wymondham College's cricket academy.England international Heather Knight coaches pupils at the launch of Wymondham College's cricket academy. (Image: Submitted)

Event organiser and marketing director, Justin Smith, said: 'We are absolutely delighted to welcome England international Heather Knight to the launch of our innovative coaching programme.

'It's fantastic to see so many former students willing to engage with the College and help finance this youth development programme. To have raised so much in such a short time is very encouraging.'

Smith also thanked the Norfolk Cricket Board, Chance to Shine, programme sponsors Brancaster House, coach Peter Hunt, the school's PE team. The model is proving so successful that ways of rolling out a similar programme for hockey are also being explored.