We're repeating the popular programme of school visits by players to raise the profile of cricket.

After successful visits last year, former England internationals Mark Ealham and Ryan Sidebottom and rising stars Samit Patel and Bilal Shafayat will be among those visiting various primary schools across the county this month.

They will talk about their experiences and careers in cricket and encourage youngsters to start playing themselves.

Cricket Development Manager David Tighe said: "The visits last year proved a great success and probably had something to do with the fact that we had a record number of Trent Bridge Junior members last year.

"We already deliver a thriving Cricket in the Community coaching scheme to more than 10,000 schoolchildren across the county.

"But there's no better way to encourage youngsters to start playing cricket than to see their heroes in the flesh and we are delighted the players have made themselves available again."

Bilborough's Highwood Player Junior School, Bispham Drive Junior School in Toton and Cuckney Church of England Primary School in Mansfield are among the schools opening their doors to our players.

Players will attend assembly at Highwood Player on March 16, Bispham Drive on March 30 and a PE lesson at Cuckney on the same day.