Peter Jackson became one of the few players in the North-East to take 1,000 wickets for the same club when he recently completed the feat with Darlington and District League side Raby Castle.

He began with the club as a 14-year old and apart from three seasons with Bishop Auckland and two at Etherley, has played all his cricket at the picturesque ground.

"I started out as a medium pacer but at the age of 55 I just try and put the ball on the spot nowadays!" explained Peter who has been secretary of Raby Castle for more years than he can remember and doubles up also secretary of the League.

"I have taken four hat-tricks in my career, and once claimed four wickets in four balls. My best bowling performance was for Raby Castle when I captured all ten wickets for 69 runs in the Darlington and District League game against Heighington."

After missing last season because of the foot-and-mouth epidemic, Peter is delighted that things are back to normal in the league and at Raby Castle.

"The grass was four feet high at Christmas but it is now looking more like a cricket pitch and everyone, including myself, is delighted to be back in action.

"It has allowed me to complete my 1,000 wickets which I have taken at an average of just over 12. By 1991 I had taken 500 wickets so my last 500 have come in just over ten seasons. I must be getting better with age!" quipped Peter.

Besides cricket, he has also played hockey, rugby and football but admits that cricket is his first love. "I have enjoyed every minute of the game during more than 40 years and hope to play a bit longer yet and perhaps take a few more wickets," said Peter.