THORNBURY have received an original painting by former England wicketkeeper Jack Russell of their picturesque ground.

The artwork was donated to the club by former vice-president Jeremy Wormwell and was put up in their newly refurbished clubhouse following a presentation on Saturday.

Gloucestershire legend Russell, whose gallery is based in Chipping Sodbury, has done paintings of grounds from all over the world, including Lord’s, The Adelaide Oval, and Trent Bridge, and added the Ship Field to his collection last year when he attended a game at the ground in Alveston.

Thornbury president David Allen, who also played for Gloucestershire and England, said: “Everyone was delighted with it.”

“We put it up and it looks tremendous. I was impressed as everyone else has been.

“He painted it from our match last year against Bridgwater. You can see our players bowling and fielding, the pavilion and some spectators. It is a super painting.

“It was a commissioned painting (from Jeremy) to thank the club for the years of enjoyment his family had from it.”

Thornbury were due to meet a Gloucestershire XI for their first game of the season on Saturday, but heavy rain got through the covers and soaked the pitch, causing the game to be cancelled.