Former England captain Charlotte Edwards insists Bristol is the place to be this summer as the ICC Women’s World Cup visited the city ahead of the start of the tournament next month.

As part of the Nissan Trophy Tour, the silverware, along with the ICC Champions Trophy, visited Millennium Square, the home of former cricketer W. G. Grace and St.Werburgh’s Primary School, having taken in Brunel’s SS Great Britain and the Bristol County Ground last Friday.

The Bristol County Ground, home of Gloucestershire CCC, is one of five venues for the ICC Women’s World Cup, and will host England for three group games throughout June and July.

And having stood on the Bristol crease many times herself, Edwards - who amassed 220 caps during a 20-year international career - has tipped the city to make the tournament a resounding success.

“I have really fond memories of playing in Bristol, I actually made my ODI debut here against South Africa in 1997,” said Edwards, who skipped England for ten years.

“I played here again a few times throughout my career and it has always been a great ground and well supported, so hopefully we can expect more of the same come June and July.

“Bristol is going to be one of the best venues in terms of fixtures. England play Australia here on July 9 and that is going to be one of the best fixtures of this World Cup.

“It’s been great to spend some time in Bristol. I haven’t been here that many times in the past but it’s a great city and the World Cup teams are so lucky to be staying here throughout June and July.

“It’s great to see so many kids playing the game I have loved since I was their age, and it’s brilliant to see. I hope that many of these children will come down to the County Ground throughout the games in Bristol and get to see some top women’s cricket played.

“We want to inspire as many young girls and boys as possible to play the game.”

The ICC Women’s World Cup kicks off on June 24 with New Zealand versus Sri Lanka the first fixture to take place in Bristol, before the tournament draws to a close with a showcase final at Lord’s on July 23.

As an ambassador for the tournament, Edwards’ visit to St. Werburgh’s proved to be the perfect end to the tour in Bristol as she joined in with a cricket session with the excited youngsters.

And for Gloucestershire CCC community coach Masoor Khan, having the ICC Women's World Cup take place in the area will do wonders for the numbers of both boys and girls picking up a bat for the very first time.

“The children have absolutely loved having Charlotte with us,” he said.

“They have all been buzzing and the energy levels were different because we had someone special here.

“The excitement is massive in Bristol for the ICC Women’s World Cup, and you can definitely sense that something special is happening.

“I think it’s going to really help boost numbers of women playing cricket in the area. We’re doing lots of different things with different groups of women who we maybe wouldn’t have done things with before.

“The way the game of cricket is going, it’s open for all. We’ve seen a massive influx in the numbers of both boys and girls playing, and starting them off at a younger age is definitely the right way.

“We’re really looking forward to the World Cup. I think the diversity and culture in Bristol is quite good, and the new stands and flats at the County Ground bring you closer to the action which I think makes it quite special.”

The ICC Champions Trophy (1-18 June) and ICC Women’s World Cup (24 June – 23 July) will both see the best eight ODI teams in the world compete for glory in England & Wales this summer. Tickets available at icc-cricket.com/tickets