Skipton Cricket Club is aiming to establish an under-11 side as it celebrates its 150th anniversary.

The club was in severe difficulties two years ago and has suffered two relegations in the Aire-Wharfe League, but there is a confidence in the club that the worst is over and the club can re-establish itself in the town's affections.

Certainly judging by the annual dinner the club's fortunes are on the rise. Two years ago barely two dozen were willing to attend the event; last year that had more than doubled and this year the venue was full to capacity.

President Geoff Fryers said Skipton had an exciting year ahead with special matches, a celebrity golf day and a special celebration dinner.

The club also aims to produce an anniversary booklet and has appealed for any photographs or anecdotes from years gone by.

"But what I would most like to see is cricketers playing cricket. We have four club teams (two seniors and two juniors) and progress is being made to add a further team at under-11," said Mr Fryers.

David Whiteley has taken over as first team captain and the club is exploring the possibility of bringing in an overseas players.

The secretary John Lamb reported that the club had a good start to its big year as it had received a donation of £500 in memory of former players Billy and Noel Ingham.

Among the audience was James Whittaker, the former England Test player and Leicestershire captain, who turned out for the club's juniors, and Tony Judd, one of the first overseas players to play with Skipton, who is now coach to the Scotland team.