THE DAVID Shepherd MBE Devon County Cricket Academy will be officially launched with a match at the Sandhills ground in Instow.

The young Devon Lions team will play a David Shepherd XI in a 40-overs-a-side game on Sunday, September 12.

The formation of the academy was announced in June with the aim of helping talented players aged 17 and over to become Devon, first-class and international cricketers.

The match at Instow will be the first outing for the academy's team, the Devon Lions, which will play matches against academy sides from the first-class counties.

The David Shepherd XI will be selected by Jack Davey, a close friend and team-mate of the North Devon-born cricketer and umpire.

Play will start at 1pm. Entry will be free for children but adults are asked to make a £5 donation.

There will be a hog roast and bouncy castle, with drinks available throughout the day.

All money raised will go to the David Shepherd Cricket Foundation.