Two of the country's best female cricketers were in Monmouth last week hoping to inspire more girls to take up the sport.

England captain Charlotte Edwards and batsman Heather Knight visited Monmouth Comprehensive School last Wednesday (17th April) as ambassadors for Chance to Shine.

The Cricket Foundation initiative is supporting the Cricket Wales Community Coach programme, which aims to increase participation in cricket throughout Wales.

Heather said: "Chance to Shine is all about getting cricket into state schools and inspiring youngsters to take up the game.

"I started playing cricket when I was seven – my dad and my brother played so I went along with them to my local club.

"I started playing in boys and mens sides because there weren't many girls teams around.

"We have club and county games coming up and then England play Pakistan in June. Later in the summer we've got the Aussies coming for the Ashes, which will be the perfect opportunity to get some revenge after the World Cup."

Charlotte and Heather gave batting tips to youngsters and even joined in a couple of games to show them how it's done.

Charlotte then told pupils: "It has been great to spend a couple of days in Wales and to see the enthusiasm – people are really getting involved.

"I was very fortunate when I was at school to have great teachers who engaged me in sport."

Headteacher Vaughan Davies thanked the cricketers for the visit, adding: "You prove anything in life is possible – believe it and you can do it."

The school's link-up with Monmouth Cricket Club has seen new opportunities emerge for girls in the town.

The club is running coaching sessions for pupils and creating a girls team is one of its stated aims for this season.

Paul Sullivan, Monmouth's sport development officer, said: "To have Charlotte and Heather both attending Monmouth Comprehensive today to inspire pupils to take part in Cricket has been fantastic.

"I cannot speak highly enough of the involvement from both of them and the time they have given up to meet over 120 pupils of the school. 

"I have been working with Monmouth Cricket Club to develop a number of opportunities for children and young people to attend regular sessions and in particular we are aiming to increase the number of girls participating in the sport.

"Sessions are being developed in a primary school, secondary school and leisure centre environment to ensure more individuals are hooked on sport and provided with the skills for a life in sport.

"To see an event such as this combining all aspects of the community has been great and shows what can be done by schools, community clubs and leisure centres all working together.

"I would also like to thank the PE department of Monmouth Comprehensive, in particular Mr Williams, who helped with the organisation and running of such a successful event."

Council chairman Maureen Powell said: "We are very honoured to have had Charlotte and Heather visit Monmouth Comprehensive School.

"It is a great experience for youngsters to meet experts in whatever they do. Hopefully it will encourage them to take up cricket themselves."