Friendly Warwickshire win an award

Warwickshire County Cricket Club has been chosen as the most family-friendly venue in Britain by readers of Candis, a top-selling women's magazine.

A National Family & Parenting Institute survey published today in Candis showed that parents feel the majority of British shops, hotels and other attractions do not extend a warm welcome to families. Two-thirds of those questioned thought that other countries had a better attitude towards families, while a third believed the UK to be family-friendly.

Warwickshire County Cricket Club was nominated by Mrs. Gail Heath from Cotteridge, Birmingham, whose son ten-year-old son Christopher has joined the club's Junior Bears coaching scheme.

She praised the club's relaxed and welcoming and above-all family-friendly atmosphere, the free coaching and other activities for children. Mrs. Heath added that the players were happy to stop-off and talk to youngsters, sign autographs and even give impromptu training sessions during breaks in their own matches.

Mrs. Heath has also won a luxury weekend family break with Haven UK.

Jenny Campbell, Editor of Candis, said: "You might not expect a cricket club to go out of its way to welcome children as well as parents. But Warwickshire CCC makes a positive effort to include every member of the family in its activities. It's a great example that other venues around Britain could do well to follow."

The award was welcomed by the cricket club. Peter Thompson, head of marketing, said: "We are delighted to receive this honour. A great deal of effort has gone into making the club and its facilities family-friendly. We want parents and children of all ages - both boys and girls - to feel welcome."