A FLINTSHIRE primary school has picked up an award for their contributions to cricket, beating competition from across Britain in a ceremony at Lord's Cricket Ground.

Ysgol Bryn Gwalia, in Mold, was named Primary School of the Year at the Chance to Shine Awards, with judges hailing the way their teachers and pupils had embraced cricket and ensured all children felt included in the sport.

The school, where 52% of students are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), has overcome significant barriers to achieve this recognition. Historically, cricket was not a prominent sport at the school, with minimal engagement or access to facilities. That changed when the charity Chance to Shine worked with Cricket Wales to send a coach into the school - sparking a remarkable transformation.

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The impact was immediate. What began as a novelty soon became a weekly highlight, with students showing notable improvements in coordination, teamwork, and resilience.

One particularly inspiring story emerged from a Year 6 pupil, a refugee from Afghanistan who had recently joined the school. Arriving with limited English and low confidence, the child's natural cricketing talent quickly became evident. Cricket, a sport he had played in his home country, became a vital tool for building his confidence and helping him integrate with his peers.

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This success extended to his two brothers, who also excelled in cricket, having played at a high level in Afghanistan. Their skills and enthusiasm inspired their peers and transformed them into role models within the school community. Cricket broke language barriers, fostered connections, and united students in a shared passion.

Deputy headteacher Kate Sturdy said: "What we are trying to do is give children experiences they might not have had otherwise. Last year, when Jamie introduced cricket to all the children, it really took off. Now, they play at break times, lunchtimes, and beyond."

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Chance to Shine chief executive Kate Stephens added: "We are incredibly proud of all our award winners, who shine a light on the Chance to Shine vision of allowing all young people to play, learn and develop through cricket. Amidst an ongoing cost of living crises, and faced with less active lifestyles than ever before, the need for our cricket programmes has never been greater."

• Chance to Shine is an independent charity that has delivered cricket to more than seven million children in state schools and communities since 2005. They prioritise working with young people in schools whose pupils face economic challenges.