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England cricket captain Ben Stokes visits Newcastle primary school

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England cricket captain Ben Stokes visits Newcastle primary school

England cricket captain Ben Stokes has visited a primary school in Newcastle.

The 33-year-old headed to Hawthorn Primary School in the Elswick area of the city on Friday morning. He spent around two-and-a-half hours taking part in a cricket session and Q&A with the pupils.




The all-rounder was joined at the school by Catherine McKinnell, Labour candidate for Newcastle North.

National charity Chance to Shine are delivering cricket at the school. Is it being funded by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), as part of an expansion of their state school cricket programme.

The programme aims to target schools with high numbers of pupils from lower socio-economic backgrounds – where at least 40% of kids are eligible for free school meals.


Chance to Shine have been providing cricket sessions in around 4,000 primary schools each year.

Last year, ECB increased their investment to reach more schools, particularly where kids are most likely to miss out on access to cricket otherwise.

They are also calling for at least two hours sport per week to be mandated as part of the National Curriculum.

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England cricket captain Ben Stokes

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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The 33-year-old visited Hawthorn Primary School in Newcastle

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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Ben smiles as he chats to a group of children from the school

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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He took part in a cricket session with pupils

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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Ben sets up the cricket game for the children

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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The all-rounder showed off his bowling skills

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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While the children had a go at batting

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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Another young boy has a go at batting

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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Ben gives out instructions while holding a bat

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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The cricket session at Hawthorn Primary School

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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Ben spent around two-and-a-half hours at the school

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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Hawthorn Primary is one of the schools where cricket is delivered through Chance to Shine and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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Ben attended along with Catherine McKinnell

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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Catherine McKinnell, Labour Candidate for Newcastle North

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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The 48-year-old visited the school in Elswick with Ben Stokes

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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Catherine with the pupils from the primary school

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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She also played cricket with the children

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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Pupils during the cricket session with Ben Stokes

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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One of the pupils bats during the game

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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Another pupil gets a go at batting

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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There were big smiles on their faces

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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They appeared to enjoy the visit on Friday morning

(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)

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