CRICKET hero James Anderson might not look much of a fashion icon on the outfield dressed in his England whites.

But the 31-year-old has shown he has an eye for clothing, as well as a good inswinger, by creating his own menswear brand.

James, a former St Theodore’s student, who began his ascent to fame playing for Burnley in the Lancashire League, is working on the range in a collaboration with fashion firm Chess London.

It will be launched at a VIP bash in Manchester city centre on May 1. James said: “I have been heavily involved in the whole process, from initial sketches and compiling the mood board to designing each piece and editing the collection, which has been an incredible experience.

“The results are fantastic and I am so proud to have been part of this collaboration with Chess London.”

He might have got some stick from his Lancashire and England team-mates for his recent photo shoot, but he admits his own fashion range gives him something to concentrate on in the future. Hopefully I’ll play for a few more years yet, but I’m in my 30s, I don’t have a definite timeframe.

“But to have something like this going alongside is great, if it goes well with the spring/summer collection I’d love to do autumn/ winter too.” One of Chess London’s directors is former Blackburn Rovers midfielder Keith Andrews.

"He said: “Teaming up with James to work on this collaboration has been great fun. He is a fashion-conscious male with an athletic build so perfectly fits the Chess London vision.”