COUNTY cricketers are coming to the aid of a local cricket club which lost its pavilion following an arson attack.

Malton and Old Malton Cricket Club’s pavilion, at their second ground in Old Malton, was destroyed by fire last May.

The club has since launched a fundraising drive to replace the facility, which was regularly used by teams throughout the season.

Club treasurer Joy Hudson said: “A concert in the Milton Rooms in December, with the band Huge, was a tremendous success when a sell-out crowd danced the night away and helped to raise £4,000 for the Club’s Fire Appeal.”

Mrs Hudson said that Mark Arthur, Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s chief cxecutive, who wanted to support the club’s appeal, would be attending a dinner at Malton and Norton Rugby Club, on Friday, February 21. “His guests, expected to include Ryan Sidebottom, Steve Patterson, Oliver Richardson, Richard Pyrah, Jason Gillespie, Martyn Moxon and Ian Dews, will be happy to hold a question and answer session for those attending the dinner,” she said.

“There will also be an auction of donated items, some sport related, including a watercolour of the Old Malton pavilion by well-known local artist and former Malton Cricket Club cricketer, Alan Jones.”

Retired Cundalls’ auctioneer Peter Woodall, also a former playing member and currently a vice-president of Malton and Old Malton Cricket Club, will conduct the auction.

Dave Callaghan, of BBC York and Leeds, will be MC for the evening. The cost for the dinner is £25 and early booking is advisable as tickets will be limited.

Mr Arthur also plans to bring a YCCC XI to play a T20 match against a Malton and Old Malton CC XI on Thursday, July 3. More details will be available nearer the date. For further information and to order tickets for the dinner, phone Mrs Hudson on 01653 692223.