A CRICKET match will take place this weekend in memory of one of the Ribble Valley’s best-known sporting stalwarts.

Michael Britcliffe, who died aged 72 last month, served as a player, coach and committee member at Ribblesdale Wanderers Cricket and Bowling Club for more than four decades.

The Clitheroe side has organised a 30- over match at its Church Meadow home on Sunday to raise money for charity and a new scoreboard in his name. Among the players taking part in the match will be Mr Britcliffe’s son, Ian, and his grandson, Jordan, who will captain one of the sides.

Mr Britcliffe, who formerly worked for the NHS, died on August 23 after a five- year battle with Alzheimer's disease.

He served as Ribblesdale’s vice-chairman and chairman, with a particular interest in youth development.

Jordan, 22, said: “He’s been around the club for as long as I can remember. He was just the nicest guy you could ever meet. He was very well known in cricketing circles around Lancashire.”

The game starts at 1.30pm at the Brownlow Street ground. Proceeds will be split between the Alzheimer's Society and the planned new scoreboard.

Brian Woodhead, chairman of the Ribblesdale League, said: “Mike was at one time a person around who all the youth cricket in the league revolved.”