ENGLAND women's cricket captain Charlotte Edwards will be touring south Bucks schools next week with the Ashes trophy hoping to inspire the next generation of players.

She and team mate Heather Knight will be paying visits to no fewer than six schools around the county to encourage youngsters to pick up bat and ball as part of the Chance to Shine campaign.

They start their tour at Great Marlow School on Tuesday 25 at a four team tournament, before giving schoolchildren at Pipers Corner in Great Kingshill a PE lesson.

The Highcrest Academy will be their next stop for an after school club before they conclude their day at Chesham Prep School.

Edwards and Knight go back to Pipers Corner the following morning before ending their tour of Bucks with trips to Aylesbury High and Chesham Grammar Schools.

Edwards said: "I hope the children come away from the visit feeling inspired to go along to their local club and become part of a rapidly growing sport for boys and girls. My role as a Chance to Shine Coaching Ambassador is great as it allows me to combine playing international cricket with a job where I can really make a difference."

Clifton Simms, Development Manager for the Buckinghamshire Cricket Board, said: "We are delighted and extremely privileged that Charlotte and Heather are visiting our county and its schools. It will be a great experience for all of the children and a real inspiration for our girls. It will be an opportunity for Buckinghamshire girls to learn from the best and be inspired to play cricket and enjoy the game."