GIRLS in Didcot are being introduced to cricket by England’s World Cup-winning women’s captain.

Charlotte Edwards, who has been made an MBE for her sporting prowess, is coaching pupils at Didcot Girls School in the hope of inspiring stars of the future to take up cricket.

It is the first time the school has taught the sport, and teachers say her involvement has turned the girls cricket-mad.

She is visiting the school as part of the Chance To Shine programme, set up five years ago to reintroduce cricket to at least a third of British state schools.

She has also been running after-school sessions with Didcot Cricket Club, which is starting a girls’ squad as a result of the pupils’ keenness.

Head of PE Emily Carter said: “The girls love cricket. The girls actually ask to do it when they come to secondary school. Having Charlotte was very exciting and inspiring.”

Ms Edwards, 30, said: “If they keep on training, there’s definitely a future for them in the game.

“The success over the last year has inspired a lot of girls all over the country.”

Chance to Shine coach Beth Lewis, who also works with Windmill Primary School, Headington, said: “The whole point is to try to get them involved in a local cricket club, and we have already got a lot signed up in Didcot.”