SIDMOUTH S Cricket Club was hit for six by residents generosity last month as it edged �870 closer to a �45,000 fundraising dream.

SIDMOUTH'S Cricket Club was hit for six by residents' generosity last month as it edged �870 closer to a �45,000 fundraising dream.

Members of the West Country's oldest cricket club have set their sights on raising tens of thousands of pounds to re-thatch its famous pavilion roof, and a bank holiday coffee morning, sponsored by the Friends of the Fortfield on August 31, helped boost the bid.

The venue also plays home to Sidmouth's tennis, croquet and hockey clubs.

Of the sterling �870 raised, club chairman Neil Gamble said: "Not bad for a morning's work!"

"We are continuing to try to collect in money for the thatch, and hope for a few substantial additional donations and the odd grant before the end of the year."

It is hoped master thatcher Mark Smith will start the job in February 2010 so it can be completed by the start of the cricket and croquet season in mid April.

Neil added: "The cricket section has had an anis mirabilis, in playing terms, and we trust that such success will help us in the money raising stakes.