CRICKETERS will take to the field in early 20th Century attire at the weekend to honour a family of keen sportsmen who fought in First World War.

The match at Etherley Cricket Club, near Bishop Auckland, has been inspired by the Bradford Brothers from nearby Witton Park.

Roland and George Bradford, who served with the Durham Light Infantry, were awarded the Victoria Cross

Their older brothers, James and Thomas, were also decorated for their role in the 1914-18 conflict, with a Military Cross and Distinguished Service Order respectively.

Thomas, who was the oldest sibling to survive the conflict, captained Durham Cricket Club, and once scored 207 not out in 90 minutes.

Players from Etherley Cricket Club and Wolsingham Cricket Club may face each other complete with handlebar moustaches and impressive sideburns at the game on Sunday, from 1pm.

A traditional cricket tea will also be served for spectators and players. To help recreate the atmosphere of First World War Durham, historical interpreters Time Bandits will be at the ground.

Soldiers will recount tales of the Somme as well as put children through their paces with a drill session.

Visitors can also try on uniforms and handle weapons from the conflict. As well as discovering what the life of a soldier was like, people can hear first hand what life at home entailed too.

In addition, The Durham Light Infantry Learning Team will also have a collection of genuine First World War artefacts on site.

The event has been put on through the Fighting Bradfords of Witton Park project and has been made possible with a £49,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

This event comes at the start of a busy period for the project with schools in the area, Escomb Primary and St Chad’s Primary taking part in workshops with the DLI Learning Team to discover more about the area’s First World War past.

A number of Witton Park families are already uncovering their past and it is hoped more will come forward with a link to the fallen on the village’s war memorial. Anyone with a family member on the Witton Park War Memorial should call 01207-524803.

Elsewhere in the project a new Durham Hymn is soon to be written by composer David Golightly.