The Wildcats - Keighley's official basketball team - are to pounce back into the court after four years'.

Keighley Wildcats were forced to disband in 2001 after most of the team moved away to university.

But now two former players are back in town and are appealing for anyone interested in becoming the next Michael Jordan to join them.

Andy Birkbeck and Rob Woodhead played for the Wildcats in the team's heyday. Now, after spending a few years coaching in the district's schools they have decided to give the team another shot.

They are currently building an open men's side and a junior team for boys aged eight to 14. The senior team is already made up of a number of former players but Andy and Rob want anyone with an interest in the sport to get in touch.

Helen Dudman, speaking on behalf of the Wildcats, said: "You don't even have to be a great player because there will be training and skills sessions provided."

She added: "Both teams are for the boys at the moment but if we get enough interest from the girls we hope to establish the town's first women's team."

The men's team played their first game, a friendly against the Bradford Dragons, at the beginning of March and will take part in an all-star game on April 31 at Keighley Leisure Centre.

Rob and Andy hope to enter the youngsters into the Junior Yorkshire League soon.

The junior team trains at the Leisure Centre, Hard Ings Road Keighley, at 10.30am on Saturdays. The senior team follows them at 11.30am.

Anyone interested in joining the Wildcats, or local businesses wanting to help with sponsorship, should email Andy at Keighleywildcats@yahoo.com or phone him on 07775741605n

n Wildcasts (right) prepare for action