A CRICKET club says it has been "overwhelmed" by the community response to offer support after suffering two recent break-ins and vandalism.

Rainhill Cricket Club, on Victoria Terrace, had its score box broken into twice, once on November 21, 2019 and again a few weeks later on Christmas Day evening.

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Cricket kit, cups and plates were damaged and thrown around the outfield.

Windows were smashed at the club during the first incident.

Mike Rotheram, captain of Rainhill Cricket Club, has expressed thanks for the help offered following the incidents which has "turned a negative into somewhat of a positive".

Several members of the community have contacted the club on social media and have made donations of cups and plates to replace those that were damaged.

Meanwhile, business Collins Green Forge, has offered to install some wire mesh security on the score box windows, to prevent similar such attacks in future.

And Forge Fitness & Boxing gym has raised some money to go towards new windows at the club.

Mike said: "It started with some of the local Facebook groups and people were getting behind us saying is there anything we can do to support?

"A few people were asking what do you need?

"It goes to show, it is quite nice when the local community comes forward. It turns a negative into somewhat of a positive."

Mike added: "We have got some fantastic volunteers in the club including Tom McKeown puts in hours and hours in terms of the tidying up and Andrew Page in terms of getting the word out.

"Collins Green have done that free of charge off their own bat, saying we want to help you which is nice really."

In a statement the club said: "As a community club, Rainhill CC is hugely appreciative of the help of Collins Green Forge and other donors, which underlines the importance of the club is to the local community.

"While the recent damage inevitably had an effect on the morale of the club's many volunteers, the response from Rainhill residents and businesses has been overwhelming and sends out a clear statement that we stand united against mindless vandalism."