PLANS have been drawn up to make a cricket tournament in memory of a 21-year-old Brierfield girl who died of a brain tumour an annual fixture in Pendle’s sporting calendar.

Family and friends of the late Rachel Husband are hoping to beat the £850 they raised for Pendleside Hospice last year, when the competition takes place at the Bullholme Oval ground in Barrowford on July 31.

Nick Burton, the first-team captain at Craven and District League side Barrowford, is the best friend of Rachel’s brother Pete and was encouraged by the response to the inaugural tournament.

He said: “The details are very similar to last year’s event and we will again be raising money for Pendleside Hospice.”

Rachel, of Woodville Road, Brierfield, was herself a keen cricketer, turning out with the bat and ball for the Barrowford club’s girls’ team.

The former Walton High School pupil was also a regular attendee with her family at the Central Gospel Mission in Nelson and a keen Clarets fan.

Rachel first became ill in October 2008, after initially complaining of headaches.

She eventually lost her battle for life in July 2009.

The competition has had the support of Rachel’s parents, Simon and Cheryl, and brothers Pete, Andrew and Daniel.

Eight teams are set to take part, in a knockout format, and the event is being sponsored by travel agent Thomas Cook.

If firms or groups in Burnley and Pendle are interested in other sponsorship opportunities, they can e-mail nick at nick3urton@hotmail.com.