AMBITIOUS new plans were launched today for a million-pound centre of sporting excellence as part of a major leisure development in Dorchester.

Organisers of the proposed complex at Poundbury aim to win lottery cash but also appealed businesses and Dorchester people to back the scheme.

The move by the Dorset Cricket Centre Charitable Trust comes amid existing plans for a leisure complex with a swimming pool, fitness centre, gym, crche and function room.

Simon Talbot, who lives with his family at Charlton Down, has joined forces with businessman Mark Downey for the project.

He said: "It is a very exciting scheme and will provide a wonderful facility.

"We aim to have six internation-class wickets and practice nets outside as well as a major complex with a bar, lecture rooms, physio and medical facilities and offices.

"We also hope to create some kind of amphitheatre with spectator seating and involve local schools with coaching and some use of our halls."

The trust is due to meet the Dorset Cricket Board later today to bid for its approval and will lodge a £500,000 application for National Lottery money.

The complex will cater for most sports with indoor halls, coaching equipment, referees' course, coaching and training but with the emphasis on cricket and then football.

Organisers hope to include six international class wickets to be used on one top quality pitch and make the indoor facilities available for such hockey, athletics and basketball.

Mr Talbot is a member of the West Dorset Cricket Association and was Weymouth Cricket Club coach last summer.

He has also been manager and coach of the Barrington Centre at the Oval Cricket Ground, worked as the cricket development officer in Denmark and worked for cricket boards in the UK.

Mr Talbot said the centre of excellence would complement plans by the Poole Sports Charitable Trust for a £3 million leisure complex nearby.

He added: "As we are the county town we should be staging the county cricket matches. A centre and wickets of this standard would allow us to do that. Games on a wonderful wicket in the setting of Poundbury would also draw many people to come and watch."

"The current Dorset cricket centre is in Christchurch, which is miles away. We are in the perfect location in the middle of the county."

Businesses which can support the scheme, teams and anyone interested in the project are urged to contact Mr Talbot on (01305) 213711 or 07786 264697.