Ravenshead teenager Lawrence Burton is off to Dubai at the end of the month to represent his country.

The 17-year-old has been selected to represent England under-17s in the World Indoor Cricket Federation Junior World Series — and of the 12 members in the squad, he is the only player from Nottinghamshire travelling to the United Arab Emirates

A student at The Joseph Whitaker School, Rainworth, he is a keen cricketer and plays cricket for Kirkby Portland CC in South Notts League Division A.

As well as his outdoor matches, Lawrence (pictured) joined the Action Indoor Cricket England squad throughout the summer in preparation for tough matches against some strong southern hemisphere nations— Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and the UAE.

Each country will be represented by teams at under-13, under-15, and under-17 levels for both boys and girls competitions.

Lawrence’s international call-up was particularly good news after he missed the whole of the 2022 cricket season because of stress fractures in his back.

The summer training, England kit, and tour is costing £3,000, so the teenager is grateful to have received some help from the Nottinghamshire County Council Talented Athletes Fund, The Armchair Club, and The Rotary Club of Ravenshead and Blidworth.

He is also hoping to raise some funds by hosting an event featuring former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley at Ravenshead Village Hall, on 4th November.

Mark was goalkeeper at the City Ground from 1989 to 2000, a former Notts County coach, and an England Under-21 and Wales international.

He is now an entertaining speaker about his life in football, especially recalling his time working with legendary Forest manager Brian Clough.

Tickets for the event, which starts at 8pm, cost £12.50 and there will also be time for questions from the floor, plus photo and signing opportunities with Mark. For tickets call 07780 676345.