HOUSE builder Ward Homes is continuing its involvement in the game of cricket by supporting Mark Ealham during his Benefit Year.

Mark has played cricket for Kent since 1989 and is perhaps best known for scoring the fastest Sunday league century off 44 balls.

He made his England debut in 1996 against India in the Third Test at Trent Bridge.

Benefit Years are there to help cricketers retiring from the sport raise enough funds to help them with future plans, such as retraining for a second career to pay their way through retirement.

Mark's benefit year kicked off with a lunch funded by Ward Homes to which local Kent business people were invited. Hosting the proceedings was ex-England and Kent hero Chris Cowdrey, with comedian Adrian Walsh and ex-cricketer Mike Cowan speaking.

Mark said: "I'd like to offer my sincerest thanks to Ward Homes for its support, both for myself, and also for all the sponsorship help given to Kent County Cricket Club itself over the years.

“I've been very fortunate to find such a generous benefactor. Ward Homes will be helping me with numerous events in the coming year, which would not have been possible otherwise. The next one will be a Chinese meal in Canterbury to celebrate the Chinese New Year."

Ward Homes is creating a number of exciting new developments to suit varied tastes and lifestyles throughout Kent and the northern Home Counties. Details of all of these can be found on the web site at www.wardhomes.co.uk

For further information about other events being held during Mark's benefits please contact the Benefits office on 01795 422165 or email: carolwilsonbuck@aol.com