Supporters of a children’s centre have been bowled over after receiving a five-figure sum from the organisers of an annual cricket competition in Alton.

People who took part in this year’s Alton Victorian Cricket event on The Butts have raised a staggering £10,100 for Bushy Leaze with spectators, sponsors and participants all playing their part.

The nine-team tournament went down to the last ball with The Triple FFF The Railway Arms winning a ‘Super Over’ against The White Horse after the final finished in a first-ever draw.

But the tournament isn’t just about cricket and taking to the crease in fun costumes as the proceeds will make a huge difference in the community.

The money raised for Bushy Leaze will fund services for families with children aged 0-5, supporting them from early stages of pregnancy to when the child starts school.

Other winners from the annual event included Warren Powell-Richards, the recipient of the Bob’s Champagne Moment award, and the Ten Tun Tap House, who took home the Best Dressed title.

The Barry Perkins Personality of the Year title went to Becca Cassidy while an exciting new partnership between the AVC committee and the Rotary Club of Alton should break a few more boundaries.

Committee members have also thanked volunteers, spectators and the Alton community for their support with the former being called “the backbone of the tournament” for their help.

A spokesperson for the committee said: “Thank you all for making the Alton Victorian Cricket such a memorable and impactful event and together, we hit it out of the park for a great cause.”

Organisers have already started thinking about next year’s tournament and have provisionally circled June 22, 2025, on the calendar.

For more details and pictures look for Alton Victorian Cricket on either Facebook or Instagram.