A cricket club which faced closure after its pavilion was razed to the ground by arsonists can look to the future again -- thanks to the efforts of the local community.

Members of Bowling Old Lane Cricket Club in West Bowling, Bradford, were devastated when the pavilion was destroyed by fire last April after youths had threatened to firebomb it.

Without the pavilion's changing facilities, the 100-year-old club could not qualify for this season's Bradford Cricket League, which starts in a fortnight.

But due to the combined efforts of club members, councillors and Bradford electronic company N G Bailey, the club has been given a large portable building to use as its changing rooms.

The firm stepped in with the offer of help when it was approached by members of the Bradford West Community Area Panel.

Club committee member and groundsman Geoff Hanson said the club had undergone a massive transformation since last year's fire.

He said: "Our situation looked very bleak at one time but thanks to people in the community, councillors and NG Bailey the future's looking much better. I won't see another hundred years at the club but I think other people might.

"We were devastated after the fire - we didn't know which way to turn. And at one point we thought the club might fold. We would have struggled this season because there's no electricity or water down at the changing rooms since the fire."

Nazaket Ali, captain of West Bowling Cricket Club which plays at the ground, said: "It would have been devastating for the area if the club had closed.

"This is the only green land we have in the area where there is organised sport. This is a massive turnaround for the club. We're now hoping for another hundred years."

Councillor Sher Khan, deputy chairman of the area panel, said: "This is the first in a series of events and projects that will rejuvenate the club to its former glory. Bowling Old Lane Cricket Club has been around for 100 years and we want to make sure it is a true community facility for young and old for the next 100 years."

Councillor Jim O'Neill (Lab, Odsal) called on other firms to follow NG Bailey's example and sponsor the club to help keep its history and traditions alive.

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