The cricket pitch at Hanley Park has been refurbished.

A new artificial playing surface has been installed thanks to a £12,000 grant from the England and Wales Cricket Board and support from Staffordshire Cricket.

It's hoped the upgrade will improve the quality of cricket provision in Stoke-on-Trent and encourage more people to get involved.

The pitch was closed last week while the work took place.

Staffordshire Cricket's Development Director, Jason Britton commented: "Part of our focus in trying to grow the game is to facilitate more play alongside our strong traditional cricket club network.

"Stoke-on-Trent boasts a number of public cricket facilities and we've previously helped with the refurbishment of a non-turf pitch in Cobridge Park and we're delighted to help bring the Hanley Park facility back to top standard.

"The city is a hotbed of cricket interest and talent and we look forward to the local community benefitting from the investment."

The new surface was installed last week. (Nub News)

Cllr Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "Sports like cricket are great not only for our physical and mental health, but also for connecting with local residents and fostering a sense of community.

"That's why it's so important to invest in our sports facilities and make sure they remain fit for purpose - and I'm pleased we're working with the ECB to help carry out this mission.

"I hope that by improving the cricket facilities in Hanley Park, we can continue to grow the game within the city."