by Andrew Gidley

Kent officials are set to embark on a major fund-raising initiative to help the cost of refurbishing the Frank Woolley Stand at Canterbury.

No timescale has been placed on improving the 86-year-old structure, named after the all-rounder, pictured. It is the final part of the multi-million pound cricket-related redevelopment at the St Lawrence Ground, but finance holds the key.

Chairman George Kennedy said: "We are also in negotiations for the proposed hotel development which are at an advanced stage and will go some way to assisting our situation.

"If we can move forward with the Woolley Stand and the hotel, as well as maintaining our regeneration on the field, I will be proud of my time as chairman."

Mr Kennedy is targeting raising £2m and hopes the plans will also qualify for new capital project grants, announced recently by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

He said: "Ever since I have been in the job, I have always said we need a ground that is fit for purpose."

Mr Kennedy has enlisted the help of Amanda Cottrell, chairman of Canterbury- based Visit Kent, to help take the fund-raising message to the county’s business chiefs.