A BLACK-tie ball - arranged by the grandson of their all-time record runs scorer - has collected £4,000 as Colne Cricket Club continues to clear its crippling debts.

The Lancashire League outfit was once more than £100,000 in the red, owing a considerable amount to Marstons Brewery.

But the Byrom Road club has gradually been chipping away at that total, with the latest cash injection coming from a charity fundraiser organised by Scruples Menswear of Barrowford.

Co-owner Jan Dickinson is the grandson of Ellis Dickinson, Colne's all-time record run-scorer and a wicketkeeper.

Praising his staff, he said: "It was a fabulous evening and everyone had a great time. Everyone who works here put in a tremendous amount of effort to ensure it was a success.

Around 250 guests attended the gathering, which also generated another £1,000 for Pendleside Hospice.

Club chairman Gary Hunt said: "Jan and the team at Scruples have been fantastic for us.

"Not only have they helped with raising money but also by bringing in new ideas to assist the club.