Former England skipper Mike Gatting was the guest of honour at Rainham Cricket Club as they officially opened their new clubhouse.

Gatting, who is now an ambassador for the ECB, was impressed by the new facilities at Berengrove Park.

The club shelled out over £300,000 for improvements.

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Gatting said: “They would be very proud of this pavilion down at Canterbury and the people here should be so proud.

“People ask me why I played cricket and it was to have fun and make friends. It is about fun and friendship and this is a great place for that.”

The new clubhouse has been over a decade in the planning and will now be the envy of many.

Committee member Neil McCue said: “We are really pleased with what we have done and there are just a few touches left to finish, but it’s looking smart.

“Those who have been involved in the project were invited to attend on Sunday and we had a big turnout.”

Gillingham and Rainham MP Rehman Chishti was among those at Rainham's Berengrove Park for the opening, which took place alongside a friendly Twenty20 match.

The MP said: "I want to see future stars of England being brought up here in Rainham.”

Rainham's new clubhouse boasts team changing rooms, one for the umpire, a kitchen, bar and social area, with a new car park outside.

Rainham's 1st XI play in Division 4 of the Kent League and open their 2017 season this Saturday away to Offham. The 2nd XIs host Sidcup (12.30pm).

Read more on Rainham CC's big day in Thursday's Medway Messenger newspaper