BUSINESSMEN and community leaders gathered in Beckenham for a "topping out" ceremony at Kent County Cricket Ground's new pavilion.

A plaque was unveiled at the pavilion, still under construction, and a photo was presented of the last time Kent played first class cricket there, in 1954.

Club president Lord Kingsdown said: "We very much hope the facilities now available will stimulate greater interest in cricket in Bromley and the surrounding boroughs. We also look forward to bringing first class cricket back to Kent after nearly 50 years."