State schools no longer provide cricket on the rates.

But despite this snub to our national summer past time, there are still small outposts where children can learn the finer arts of the noble game.

One such outlet is Brighton and Hove Cricket Club, which teaches batting, bowling and fielding to scores of youngsters, both boys and girls.

The club operates on a shoestring budget but plays an important role in the community.

It keeps children off the streets, and provides a disciplined environment where their sporting skills can be developed.

But Brighton and Hove City Council has hit the club for six with a £1,125 business rates demand, sparking an outcry from parents.

When the council last tried to charge the club in 1998 there was uproar and the council dropped its demand.

For the sake of the city's sporting youth, drop it again.