TAMWORTH Cricket Club has launched a search for land within the town or surrounding villages as it looks to develop a second home for its thriving junior set-up and women's team.

The rapidly expanding club, whose first team are currently challenging for promotion in Birmingham League Division Three, are looking for a plot of land, ideally 3-4 acres in size.

The club's first and second team, who also compete in the Birmingham League, play their homes games at Hints Lane, Hopwas.

But club secretary John Manuel said the club's lack of a second ground was holding them back.

"As a club we have seen a lot of development at the club in terms of our junior set-up.

"We have a third team which is holding its own and would like to form a fourth team.

"We also have a number of ladies playing the game now but we need a ground, or a piece of land, that we can utilise and help the club expand and grow.

"At the moment, it's holding us back.

"We have been working hard and talking to local farmers, in close proximity to the club, who might have some land available.

"We have not got anywhere as yet but we are very interested in leasing a plot of land somewhere nearby.

"We want to remain close to where we are, within the Tamworth area, because we want to keep the club's identity.

"But we wouldn't rule out some form of amalgamation with another club, which might be struggling to keep going, if it was something that could help both parties."

Mr Manuel added: "We are a club that is doing well both on and off the field.

"We carry the name of the town with pride and have done a lot to help the community.

"We have players and coaches who go into Tamworth schools and put in a lot of time with youngsters, helping them to develop.

"It would be lovely if we could get some support from someone with the area to help us continue the good work we are doing."

Tamworth CC chairman Mike Nield said the club's determination to develop women's cricket was a key reason behind their desire to find further facilities.

He said: "The ECB is keen to further enhance women's cricket. As a focus club it's in our mandate to try to make that happen.

"On the back of the recent Tamworth Fitness Festival we have actually been working with Tamworth Rugby and Hockey Clubs to get more ladies interesting in playing team sport.

"As a club, with six junior sides, five senior teams and a ladies squad, we simply don't have the room for growth at our ground. We are at full capacity.

"Our third team play at Newton Regis Cricket Club but they are also at capacity, with their own teams.

"So we would like to engage people to talk to us. We have an open door for discussion. We are working really hard to develop sport in general. It's an important part of the community."

Anyone interested in talking to the cricket club can call John on 07513 742422 or Mike on 07825 277660.