DEVON youth cricket has found an unusual ally in its constant battle for funds — Basil Fawlty.

A new drive has been launched to raise money for the Devon Cricket Board Youth Association, which provides cricket for hundreds of youngsters across the county.

Among their initiatives is an annual tour of South Africa for Devon's under-15 development squad. Jack Cherrington from Hatherleigh, North Devon's Paul Heard and Barnstaple and Pilton pair Laurence May and Jack Popham are in a 14-strong party that flew out yesterday.

The Gleneagles Hotel in Torquay — the inspiration for Fawlty Towers — is doing its bit.

Every club playing in the Devon League has been asked to sell draw tickets, with the proceeds going towards their own funds and the youth association. A short break at the Gleneagles is one of the top prizes.

The youth association organises games against other counties and festivals at various age groups.

Team manager Alan Swift is leading the tour party to South Africa. They are due to play a mixture of one and two-day games against youth sides in Western Province.