Yorkshire today issued a full and frank apology to former Yorkshire and England cricketer Bob Appleyard for accusing him in a Press release last week of "racial implications" in his criticism of the Sir Leonard Hutton Gates.

Appleyard had questioned why Asian women were portrayed in one of the friezes.

A statement released by Yorkshire from Headingley today said: "The Club deplores the inference, which it acknowledges the Press release contains, that Bob Appleyard's criticism of the design was racially motivated and wishes to apologise unreservedly to him and to his wife and family for the distress which the publication of the release has caused.

"Through his career and down to the present day, Bob Appleyard has been an exemplary supporter of Yorkshire cricket and of cricket development for youngsters throughout the county, irrespective of race, colour or creed.

The statement was prepared following a meeting at Heading-ley on Sunday evening between Yorkshire president, Robin Smith, Appleyard and Richard Hutton, son of Sir Leonard.

"I accept in full Yorkshire's apology," said Appleyard today.