Simon Hart MP is pictured with former England cricket captain Mike Gatting at an event held in the House of Commons to support the role of community sports groups and clubs.

The event was organised by the Sport and Recreation Alliance, the umbrella organisation for the governing bodies of sport.

Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MP Mr Hart spoke with England cricketers Mike Gatting and Angus Fraser, as well as club representatives, about how grassroots clubs are faring in the current economic climate.

New data released by the Sport and Recreation Alliance at the reception shows that a quarter of all sports clubs are currently operating at a loss, with half just managing to break even. It also revealed that those clubs making a surplus have seen it almost halve over the last two years.

"As someone who enjoyed playing cricket for Cresselly for 10 years I know that local sports clubs are a vital part of community life, they play such an important role and the level of commitment required from volunteers to keep them running is phenomenal," said Mr Hart.