FORMER Prime Minister John Major has chipped in and donated up to �1,700 towards Exmouth Cricket Club's mower appeal fund.

FORMER Prime Minister John Major has chipped in and donated up to �1,700 towards Exmouth Cricket Club's mower appeal fund.Last month an urgent appeal was launched after it was revealed that Exmouth, Devon's principal venue for big games, needed a new triple-gang mower to keep the Maer outfield in tip-top condition.The English Cricket board offered a �16,000 Triple Motor Torro mower to maintain board standards for county cricket - on the condition the club finds �4,000 by the second week of March.Member Anthony Robinson, of Withycombe Village Road, said members were 'in despair' about how to find the money."Anthony wrote to friends and associates, including members of the Lord's Taverners and it was through that John Major heard of the appeal," said Exmouth secretary Richard Butler.Mr Butler was reluctant to say how much the former PM had contributed, saying: "I would prefer to keep all the donations we have received a matter between the club and donor."However, in early February the balance outstanding was �2,790 - but is now at �1,000.Mr Robinson, a pensioner, got the appeal fund rolling by putting in his winter fuel payment - and challenging club president Ron Crabb to do the same.He said: "I wrote to our president and told him that I would donate my pensioners' winter fuel payment of �250 providing he was prepared to match it, which he did."Exmouth Town Council have pledged their support to the fundraising effort by offering assistance in tracking down more grant aid.Exmouth have other ground improvements in the pipeline, including a state-of-the-art electronic scoreboard. The upgrade is the result of an appeal launched in memory of former Exmouth batsman and Devon official John Tozer.His office said Mr Major was unable to comment on the donation because he was in the Caribbean.l Any cricket lovers who would like to donate to the mower fund can send contributions to Mr Robinson at Bosvigo, 222 Withycombe Village Road, Exmouth, EX8 3BD.