MORE than 2,500 people turned out for Neston Cricket Club's Summer Marquee Week.

It kicked off with the annual sporting lunch with former England cricketer and ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan as guest speaker.

Club president Tony Bush welcomed the 600 guests and introduced them to junior representatives of each sport played at Neston.

The lunch raised funds for the club's Shrimp Appeal, which pays for coaching, membership and sports kit for a number of young, local, talented girls and boys.

Michael Vaughan did a Q&A, which included the famous Ashes victory and post celebrations with Freddie Flintoff of 2005.

To meet growing demand, this year the club invested in its biggest ever marquee and there was also a champagne bar.

The first week saw the return of the hugely popular Parkgate Proms, featuring the 32-piece L'Orchestra dell Arte under the leadership of conductor and artistic director Edward Peak and featuring Tenor Nicholas Hardy.

It was followed the next night by the popular Summer Ball.

During the second week, more than 1,200 tickets were sold for the inaugural Parkgate Beer and Gin Festival.

The Marquee Fortnight was orchestrated by Craig Stubbs, who joined as Neston Cricket Club's General Manager just under a year ago, deputy manager Kat Hussey and club President Tony Bush.

Tony Bush said: "We are delighted with the success of this year's bumper marquee week and it was brilliant to see so many people attending all the events."

Details from www.nestoncricketclub.co.uk