Stars turn out for Lancashire Way launch

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Various personalities from the world of sport and entertainment attended Emirates Old Trafford yesterday for the launch of the Lancashire Way.

Current Red Rose players Tom Smith, Kyle Hogg, Kabir Ali and Tom Bailey were accompanied by a whole host of stars, including Everton midfielder Phil Neville, former Sunderland manager Peter Reid and broadcaster Mark Chapman, at the club’s indoor cricket centre.

Everton captain Phil Neville was in attendance at Emirates Old Trafford on Monday for the launch of the Lancashire Way

Women’s cricketer Lydia Greenway and the England Physical Disability squad were also present for the launch of the project that will see Lancashire County Cricket Club, Lancashire County Cricket Club Foundation and the Lancashire Cricket Board work together to promote inclusivity and raise the participation levels of cricket across the region through six key initiatives.

Schools open day - Up to 5,000 school children will visit Emirates Old Trafford on May 8 for day two of Lancashire’s LV= County Championship Division Two clash with Essex.

Disability cricket - Competitions will be held across Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Lancashire to promote disability cricket.

Girls' cricket programme - This initiative will aim to increase participation levels.

Ethnic minority cricket - Lancashire coaches will look to identify players from a South Asian background in the form of an 'X-Factor' style programme.

Introduction to cricket scheme for adults - A four-week course that is aimed at trying to increase adult participation in the sport.

Corporate 6-a-side competitions - Mixed-gender teams from local businesses will compete against each other to try and highlight the fun of playing cricket.

For more information on the Lancashire way, visit the county's official website here.

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