At Thornbury Cricket Club it is all systems go ahead of a busy summer of cricket.

Training commenced on Monday after grassroots sport was given the green light to return, giving players an opportunity to prepare for a busy pre-season which starts on April 10 with inter-club matches at the Ship and Tockington Manor School.

The league season starts on May 1, with the first team aiming to make their 150th year a successful one with promotion to Premier Division 1 of the West of England Premier League.

Thornbury have been bolstered by the signings of Gloucestershire stars Chris Dent and Jack Taylor, who will be a part of the coaching set-up and represent the first XI when not on duty for their county.

They will work alongside Owen Dawkins, Gloucestershire CCC 2nd XI and batting coach, who has moved into the role of Director of Cricket.

Stu Houghton has joined from Cheltenham to become the club’s new head coach, while former Kent and Gloucestershire batsman Simon Hinks returns to Thornbury as club coach.

In all a record-high 300 players are set to represent Thornbury across 25 teams.

An official 5th XI has been added to provide social cricket and youth development opportunities on a Saturday and the club even hopes to have a 6th XI out on a regular basis.

Off the pitch, the clubhouse bar has been refurbished for the first time since its insertion in 1985. The ladies toilets have also been renovated and the clubhouse is being opened up as a coffee shop from 9.30am-2.30pm every day of the week.