Gloucestershire stars Jon Lewis and Steve Kirby have teamed up to school the next generation of cricketers in the county.

The former England seam bowlers, who took more than 100 first-class wickets between them last season, intend to pass on their experiences and knowledge to youngsters during the upcoming half-term break, and all school holidays from then on.

Lewis and Kirby intend taking the show on the road, visiting sites in Bristol, the Forest of Dean and Gloucester, Stroud, South Gloucestershire, Cheltenham and Cotswolds.

Employing the Pyramid Award system, allowing players to work through their Bronze, Silver and Gold awards, the pair aim to develop basic skills and athleticism in a fun environment.

"We're catering for all kids, both boys and girls, between the ages of 6 and 11 and the object of the exercise is to help them reach a level where they are ready for hard ball games at club, district or county level," said Lewis.

"Steve and I have been talking about giving something back to Gloucestershire Cricket for some time and, now that we're finally launching the scheme, we'd like to think it can become a regular feature in the schools holiday programme and the Gloucestershire Cricket Board's development plans.

"The sessions are aimed at promoting positive attacking cricket and we want to help the youngsters gain confidence and feel good about what they are doing – a great aim of this programme is to support our local Gloucestershire clubs with up and coming talent."

"There are a lot of kids out there who want to play the game, but don't have the opportunity. We want to change that."

Lewis and Kirby's scheme has benefited from the backing and sponsorship of National Friendly.

"They've been extremely supportive and we couldn't have done this without their help, reducing the costs for all course places," said Lewis.

The first four 12-hour courses will be staged at venues between October 26-30 and cost £60 per person.

For more details contact Steve Silk, Cricket Development Manager, on 07554 452228 or steve.silk@glosccc.co.uk