A cricket club will add more bite to its attack this season by having live sharks in a tank at pitch side.

Editor's note: Thanks to all who read and responded to this story. As many of you spotted, it's actually an April's Fool. 

Sussex Sharks are taking a literal approach to their name by building a giant fish tank at the County Ground.

Sussex County Cricket Club has revealed advanced plans to install a 2.5 million gallon shark tank at the club's Hove ground.

The plans will see the tank placed alongside fans at the Sea End and include a variety of tropical shark species in specially heated salt water.

The innovative idea followed a visit by the club's chief executive Zac Toumazi to Sea World in the US and will see the club rival the best of pitch side entertainment of the top teams in the Indian Premier League.

The club will make a donation to a shark protection charity for every ball that Luke Wright hits into the tank during the NatWest T20 Blast that starts on May 16 when they take on Surrey.

During lunch and tea intervals there will be the opportunity to feed the sharks.

Mr Toumazi said: “What better addition to the home of the Sussex Sharks than a huge shark tank alongside loyal shark members.

“Shark-side seats will be on sale for a small premium but I think they will be snapped up.

“The tank will be a terrific attraction and chance for Sid the Shark to make new friends.

“Sid will also have the job of recovering balls lofted into the tank during the upcoming NatWest T20 Blast.”

For more details on tickets for the upcoming season visit www.sussexcricket.co.uk.