CRICKET club members have launched a fundraising campaign to buy a second-hand roller for their pitch – and say without it, it will no longer be safe to play.

Middleton Tyas Cricket Club needs to raise £3,000 for the roller before the start of the cricket season in April.

Jennifer Smith from the club said: “The club is currently without a roller to keep the ground smooth.

“It has previously used one loaned from Middleton Lodge, but it was recently sold, and our old one is too old and beyond repair.

“Patches of the ground have got really bad, so other clubs coming to play with us have complained it is not safe because cricket balls are very hard and on uneven ground can bounce in unpredictable directions.”

The team currently plays on privately-owned land at Middleton Lodge – so it does not qualify for government funding.

The North Yorkshire club, which competes in the Darlington District League, is racing against time to purchase the equipment needed to participate in the league this year.

With the aim of raising the £3,000 needed for a second-hand roller, the team have put together a schedule of fundraising activities with the main event being the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday, March 28.

The club is also holding a dinner dance at the Holiday Inn Scotch Corner Hotel on Saturday, March 14, costing £30 for a three course meal and disco.

The club is open to anyone who wants to play and players range from the age of 14 up to 60.

Anyone interested in playing cricket, donating to the club or attending one of the fundraising events, can contact Jennifer Smith on 01325 377087.