YOUNG cricketers were bowled over when businessman Mike Runyard stepped in to help.

Sports lover Mike, who runs Bridport cleaning materials and workwear firm A J Supplies, heard the boys at the Dorchester-based Wessex Cricket School were desperately seeking a bowling machine to hone their cricketing skills.

So in tandem with machine manufacturers Bola, Mike, from Beaminster, brokered the deal to make their dream come true.

He said: "I was delighted to help with funds for this important training aid. When I was a youngster playing sport we could only dream about having this sort of equipment, so I am more than glad to be able to help out."

The new kit delivers pace bowling at up to 100 miles an hour and can also be used to simulate spin deliveries.

Wessex director Simon Talbot said: "Both AJ Supplies and Bola have been huge supporters of the Wessex Cricket School and we are delighted at their continued involvement.

"The bowling machine allows our youngsters to face deliveries over and over again to really groove their batting actions."