Three Cricket World Cup winners visited Southampton on Wednesday with the mission to inspire the next generation of female cricketers.

Visiting Southampton Sports Centre, Charlotte Edwards, Lydia Greenway and Isa Guha from England's winning side in 2009 joined almost 100 girls from surrounding primary schools.

The event formed part of national cricket week, which is sponsored by Yorkshire Tea.

One of England's most successful female cricketer, Charlotte Edwards, told the students about the triumphant campaign eight years ago as part of the event, put on by charity Chance to Shine and Hampshire Cricket Board.

Charlotte Edwards said: "What an amazing day it's been. Nearly 100 girls have come down to play some cricket and enjoy the sport.

"Their enthusiasm has been amazing and it's great to see that the next generation are engaging with the sport. This is a result of the hard work that Chance to Shine has been doing. We could have seen some future World Cup winners here today."

Pupils from Shirley Junior School, Bassett Green Primary and Sholing Junior school were just some to attend, with all students in year six.

Rosario, ten, from Sholing Junior said: "The best thing about it has been meeting lots of new people and spending time with my friends. Meeting players from the England women's team was amazing and it's been an immensely fun day. I really like cricket because it's just a really enjoyable game."

The week-long initiative is designed to showcase the work of Chance to Shine, providing young people across the country with the opportunity to plan and learn through sport.

Tomorrow also marks the start of the Women's World Cup in Derby.