Ten more Norfolk cricket clubs have been awarded the prestigious ECB Clubmark accreditation.Bradenham, Brooke, Diss, Swaffham, Norwich, Great Witchingham, Downham, Cromer, Sprowston and Saxlingham all achieved accreditation in 2009, bringing the total number of accredited clubs in the county to 28.

Ten more Norfolk cricket clubs have been awarded the prestigious ECB Clubmark accreditation.

Bradenham, Brooke, Diss, Swaffham, Norwich, Great Witchingham, Downham, Cromer, Sprowston and Saxlingham all achieved accreditation in 2009, bringing the total number of accredited clubs in the county to 28.

Fakenham and Hales had their Clubmark status re-accredited, as is required every three years.

Five of the new clubs are Norfolk Cricket Board Focus Clubs, but all have undergone significant work and changes to reach the high standards required.

The Norfolk Cricket Board has supported the work over the last 12 months and cricket development manager Kieron Tuck said: “If a club achieves Clubmark accreditation you know they are doing things well.

“It is an indicator that they have robust club management in place and sound operational procedures.

“It also shows that their youth sections are of a high priority and are run in a child friendly and equitable way by suitably qualified coaches and volunteers.

“You can be confident of getting a quality cricket experience at a Clubmark club, and parents do look for this when selecting a club for their child to play at.”

He added: “Not all clubs who start down this road actually reach the end as a great deal of work is involved, so it is important to recognise the development and improvement that these clubs have shown.

“The NCB would encourage any club looking to develop its operation and in particular youth section to undertake Clubmark, regardless of their size.”

Clubs wishing to register for Clubmark should contact Kieron Tuck by emailing kieron.tuck@ecb.co.uk