Pensioner Dick Warburton donated the cash to the appeal after his daughter bought a copy of the Weekly News and read an article to him telling him what had happened.

It was the first Mr Warburton had heard of the disaster of the fire that the club suffered to its old pavilion.

Mr Warburton was particularly saddened by the story as a former wicket keeper half a century ago and later a committee member at the club.

He joined as a player in 1943 and retired from cricket in 1960.

Through his nephew Malcolm Lines, who lives in Kenilworth, he contacted the club to make a donation to the appeal.

Former players and current committee members, Colin Staines and Gordon Went, who played with him in the 1950s called to see him to have a chat about old times and renew his association with the club as well as to verify some of the club's history.

The Fire Appeal currently stands at £71,000 and it is estimated that the club needs to raise a further £38,000 to see the building completed.

The appeal has also been boosted further by a second individual donor, a former player and member, giving £5,000 and another former player donating £1,000.

Building work on the Warwick Road ground is expected to reach completion by mid July.

Work on the outer brick walls are beginning to take shape, whilst the external door and windows are being marked out.

Work has also started on the inner core of brese blocks.

Roger Mortimore, Club Secretary, said, "The progress of the building work is so heartening.

“There are changes every day. To see the new clubhouse taking shape is such a relief and a wonderful sight.

“Yes, we still have alot more to raise by July but the recent donations have boosted our appeal tremendously following the recent press coverage.

“They really are very generous amounts and with more hard work and generosity of the townsfolk and members, we will achieve our new building for the town.

“To be contacted by the family of a 92-year-old former player from 65 years ago was stunning and his donation is particularly generous. It means so much to me and to the club".

Progress of the Club’s building work can be seen on the Club’s website www.kenilworthcc.co.uk.

Anyone wanting to make a donation to the club’s Fire Appeal can send it to Roger Mortimore at 40 Rounds Hill, Kenilworth, CV8 1DU.