A Bradford cricket club could be forced to close after 80 years amid fears its ground is to be sold to property developers.

The Great Horton Methodist Church plays at Hollingwood Mount, Bradford, on land owned by Great Horton Methodist Church.

Club committee members attended a church meeting recently where they were told that the church was considering selling the land.

Club chairman Gerald Smith, of Eltham Grove, Wibsey, said the club is preparing for the 'worst case scenario'.

He said: "I've spoken to a few long-serving church people who were on the church council and they know nothing about selling the land. I just don't know why they're doing it."

As well as losing its ground, Mr Smith says the move could affect the club financially.

"We've had grants from the Sports Council and we have to guarantee that we'll be here for ten years, but we could be asked for that back now."

A spokesperson for Sport England, previously known as the English Sports Council, confirmed that it did sometimes ask for funding to be returned, but would be sympathetic to the club's position.

Mr Smith also fears a legal loophole could threaten the club's future.

"I got a copy of the deeds and there was a clause that said we weren't allowed more than three players from outside the church in the team."

It is currently made up of players from outside the church.

Tom Priestley, secretary of the Bradford Area Cricket Council, is also concerned that the ground could be lost.

He said: "The cricket club has been in touch with me, they're very upset about it.

"They've been established 80 years, have a nice ground and no one wants to see it sold. I don't think selling sports grounds is a good thing, you have to look to the future."

The Reverend Paul Flowers refused to comment on claims that the site was to be sold.

A spokesman for Bradford Council said no planning applications were lodged for the site.