He's more used to campaigning to save prisoners on death row and standing up for civil rights.

Now lawyer Clive Stafford Smith has a different battle on his hands as he fights to save his local cricket club.

Supporters of Broadwindsor Cricket Club, of which Mr Stafford Smith is chairman, have launched a campaign to purchase the ground and save the historic club.

And no less of a cricketing commentary heavyweight than Henry 'Blowers' Blofeld has come out in support.

It comes after the club was served with an eviction notice by the owners of the land who intend to sell the site.

Mr Stafford Smith said after 'slightly fraught negotiations', the club's plan is to buy the ground for £35,000.

He explained that the original owner, who had leased the ground to the club for 60 years at a 'benevolent' rent, had sadly passed away.

Those who inherited the land want to sell the site, and an agent acting on their behalf served an eviction notice on the club earlier this year.

Mr Stafford Smith said the club, founded in 1923, occupied an idyllic ground – named one of the five most beautiful in England for Wisden’s 2007 calendar.

The club has spent £31,000 on improvements to the property, including the clubhouse.

More than 400 players have taken part in over 40 fixtures each year, including the annual Middleton-Hands Trophy.

Club members even trimmed a hedge so elderly residents in a nearby residential home can watch the games.

Mr Stafford Smith, founder of human rights organisation Reprieve, said: "Slightly fraught negotiations have reached a stage where we hope to buy the ground for a fair price of £35,000.

"But for this we must find the funds – if not all at once, then over a relatively short time – so that we can put the land in trust for sport for all time.

"We have filed for Community Amateur Sports Club charitable status and last week we initiated a fund-raising campaign with Crowdfunder, the brilliant company that is located in Bridport’s Literary & Scientific Institute. They have sources to match any donation, and we will eventually receive GiftAid, so that a £100 donation can magically metamorphose into £250."

In exchange for contributions, honorary status in the club will be awarded.

Henry Blofeld told club members in a letter: "I have commentated at many venues over the years, but sadly not yet Broadwindsor. From pictures it looks to deserve its status as Wisden’s selection for the most beautiful grounds in England.

"Trying to sell it for any cause but sport speaks strongly of the price of everything and the value of nothing.”

Mr Stafford Smith said: "So many people have contributed to the evolution of this local treasure of a facility, and after the demise of both the Bridport and the Melplash grounds in the last two years, we cannot afford to lost another. Anyone willing to help our efforts can do so at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/savebroadwindsorcricket"

The News has attempted to contact the agent representing the owner for comment.