A TOWN'S two cricket teams will set their rivalry aside for a special derby match this week.

Billed as a 'no holds barred clash' between Spennymoor and Tudhoe Cricket Clubs, the game will raise money towards Spennymoor's recovery from an arson attack.

The County Durham club hopes to raise £50,000 to enhance facilities at its ground and replace equipment lost when a fire ripped through its pavilion on July 7.

Teams– who nickname each other Spennymanure and Turdhole– will compete for the David Curry Memorial Cup, provided by Keiron Cain of Spenny Sports, in honour of the former sportsman who died in 2016.

His eldest son David, a club official and player at Tudhoe, said there are hopes to make it an annual memorial game and is delighted the inaugural event will support Spennymoor.

The 32-year-old will captain the Spennymoor team and youngest James, 18, will lead Tudhoe's side when they find out who the real top dogs are.

He said: "There is a bit of rivalry but it is very, very friendly.

"Everyone at Tudhoe, like all local cricket clubs, was upset by the fire and wants to help.

"There is fundraising going on at clubs all over the region and throughout the town with collection tins on bars and donations being made."

The two clubs play in different leagues– Spennymoor in the Darlington and District League and Tudhoe in the Readers Durham Cricket League.

Last year they faced each other in a cup game which drew in Tudhoe's largest crowd of the season.

Mr Curry said: "There was a great atmosphere.

"We (Tudhoe) played this week and maybe had 40 people there, at that cup game this time last year there was well over 100, maybe 150.

"We enjoyed a bit of friendly banter but no needling.

"We hope we get another good crowd and as it is a good opportunity for a friendly game, in memory of dad, and for us to raise funds in support of their efforts to rebuild the pavilion."

The 20 over match, at Tudhoe Cricket Club, on St Charles Road, Tudhoe, will start at 6pm on Friday.

Entry to the game is free but collections will be taken in aid of the recovery fund and there will be raffles and auctions on the night.

In the clubhouse afterwards singer Steven Fothergill will be performing.