England captain Andrew Strauss was the main attraction at the launch of this year's NatWest CricketForce initiative at Harrow St Mary's Cricket Club today (Friday).

The Middlesex star signed hundreds of autographs for eager schoolchildren and older cricket fans, who also grabbed the signatures of England Women's captain Charlotte Edwards and stars of last year's World Cup winning team Isa Guha, Laura Marsh and Harrow-born Beth Morgan.

The England players, along with an army of volunteers, kicked off the three-day scheme, which will see more than 1,800 clubs across the country undergo refurbishment.

Morgan, a former pupil at Nower Hill High School in Pinner, said: "It's fantastic as this area is obviously close to my heart having lived here all my life. To see so many people come out and support the event is amazing. The place is looking great and I am sure it will look ten times better by Sunday."

For more on this story, plus an exclusive interview with Morgan, pick up a copy of next week's Harrow Observer.