A BURY park was the focus of Ashes-inspired excitement as neighbourhood police officers and members of the community united for a big-hitting day of cricketing camaraderie.

The sun shone down on Openshaw Park as The Blues and Twos — made up of officers from neighbourhood policing teams (NPT) across the Bury division — took on the Pimhole Rockers in the second annual community cricket match.

Players from both sides displayed their Kevin Pietersen-like prowess with the bat during the friendly 20-over game, which has become a popular fixture on the neighbourhood calendar.

One of the stars of the match was PC Matt Parry, who scored an unbeaten half-century as the Blues and Twos scored 92 runs for four wickets, which saw them win the contest by six wickets.

NPT officers were also on hand to dispense soft drinks and crime prevention advice to the dozens of spectators who converged at the park, eager to see the fledgling Freddie Flintoffs in action.

PCSO Andy Bigland said: “Everyone had a great day and really enjoyed the game. It was a real community effort and succeeded in bringing local people together and helping them to get to know their neighbourhood officers.”

The umpires and scorers were provided courtesy of Bury Cricket Club while the players gathered at the end of the game for a traditional tea which was supplied by the Bury East Sports Association.