DARREN Gough made his first official return to Monk Bretton cricket club in six years as work started on a £120,000 improvement of the pavilion.

The former England star, who began his career at the village, was promoting their forthcoming new facilities.

Apart from watching a few minutes of the odd match, the last time Dazzler was seen at his old ground was when he played in his testimonial game in 2001. He said: “I’ve got good memories of this place, even though last time I was here, I was out for nothing.

“I grew up here playing, and it’s where I started, so it means a lot to me.” He said it was important to develop the cricket club for the benefit of local children.

“It needs it for the area. The cricket ground is the same as when I when I left it, except there’s a bar now.

“When we were young we just used to go into the streets and fields and play cricket and football.

“I used to go out at ten in the morning, back in for a quick sandwich, and then be back out until six.

“I was lucky to be somewhere where there were loads of kids my age. You don’t get that any more. Kids now, if they’ve not got a brother, they’ve had it.”

Monk Bretton has been given a £120,000 lottery grant to extend and refurbish the pavilion, which treasurer Jason Madigan hopes will make them more self sufficient.

The club plans to spend increased profits from the bar and function room on new training facilities to encourage children and women to play.