The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a grant of £60,000 to support the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG).

The monies will co-fund the appointment of a fine turf project manager as well as a major joint research programme between the two associations.

According to Geoff Webb, IOG chief executive, the funding will help IOG to achieve the training and education targets it set in its Challenging Perceptions strategic plan.

Bruce Cruse, ECB Facilities & Funding Manager, said: "The ECB contribution towards the appointment of an IOG Fine turf project manager formally recognises the natural role that is being played by the IOG in providing help and advice to an increasing number of cricket grounds professionals and volunteers.

“The cash will ensure this function is resourced correctly and continues to provide a much-needed and highly professional service for this growing area of IOG membership.

"The £40, 000 being provided with support from Sport England will help towards a major research project which will have lasting benefits for the quality of cricket grounds and, therefore, it will contribute greatly towards improved standards throughout the sport."

Geoff Webb, IOG chief executive, said: "Our excellent ongoing relationship with the ECB has been further endorsed by these generous co-operative gestures, and I am pleased to see that we are already starting to reach some of the signposts laid down last year by our Challenging Perceptions strategy."