A PROUD father today spoke of his determination for his cricketing son's memory to live on through disadvantaged children -- ten years after he died.

A charity Cricket match in memory of former Lancashire player Ian Folley is expected to bring together some of the region's best players next month.

Ian, 30, a former pupil at Mansfield High School pupil, Brierfield, died in West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven, in August 1993 after being hit in the eye with a cricket ball.

He had been playing cricket with his new club Whitehaven and a minor operation on a perforated eyeball went wrong. He collapsed after being given anaesthetic and despite doctors battling to save him for 80 minutes he died.

The event in Padiham has been organised by Ian's father, James Folley, to mark the tenth anniversary of his son's death and could become an annual event if enough interest is shown in it.

Mr Folley said it would be something his son would be proud of and he hoped it could be continued throughout the years as the Ian Folley Memorial Trophy.

The money raised at the event will go towards buying sports equipment for disadvantaged children.

Mr Folley, who lives in Clayton-le-Moors with his wife Constance, 64, is hoping to celebrate his son's short life by gathering the county's best cricketers for the charity match.

Padiham Cricket Club has allowed him to use its ground on August 31 this year to stage a match between two specially picked teams and a fun day.