A Cricket club which was severely damaged by fire five months ago has re-opened.

Members of Todmorden Cricket Club were preparing the ground at 11am on July 19 when they spotted smoke coming through the eaves of the wooden club house.

Action group secretary Philip Walters said: "Within minutes the whole structure was on fire. The roof was badly damaged although firefighters managed to save the bar area."

Now after months of fund-raising the club had been re-built with extended facilities and new changing rooms. The function room can now accommodate 160 people and a new VIP sponsor's lounge has been created out of a former dressing room.

Philip said: "John Helm, the Yorkshire TV sports commentator anchorman, performed the opening ceremony and we are now hoping to take bookings for parties.

"We have so far raised £7,000 which is more than half way to our target of about £13,000. Anyone who wants to book the club can contact steward Beryl Cannon on 01706 813140."

There will be a giant sports and memorabilia auction at the club on January 21 to help boost funds.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.