CRICKET club bosses have unveiled ambitious plans for a new state-of-the-art youth academy.

Frinton CC wants to build the £200,000 facility at its Ashlyns Road ground in the town.

The centre will contain two indoor nets so players can practise all year round and all the latest hi-tech training equipment.

Committee member Chris Armstrong said: "When it is complete it will make a big statement as to how serious we take our cricket at Frinton and the development of our young players.

"We want a facility where junior and senior players can train over the winter months so we can be prepared for the start of the season.

"At the moment we are having to go as far as Ipswich to rent indoor nets.

"It will change how local clubs train over winter because we will let other clubs use it as well."

The centre will rival those found at county level.

Mr Armstrong said: "It will have two full-length lanes so the bowler will have a full run-up.

"There will also be equipment to record the speed of the bowler, and video so you can play back the bowler's and batsman's action.

"It will have the latest coaching aids. What we are aiming to do is create a facility that is as good as any professional county has.

"We want it to be a flagship for the local area."

The centre could be up and running by the start of next season if it gets planning permission.

The club hopes it will give teams the edge over opponents on the pitch.

"It means our guys will be sharper at the start of the season," said Mr Armstrong.

"We should hit the ground running compared to most other clubs where you only find your form after a few weeks."