The future looked dark for Great Preston CC, near Garforth, when the adjacent social club closed down.

The cricket ground on Berry Lane took its power from the social club, and the cricketers could not afford the cost of restoring electricity via an independent supply.

However, the Outer East Area Committee, an arm of the city council, has stepped in to foot the £6,000 bill.

Councillor Mark Dobson (Lab, Garforth and Swillington) said he was delighted.

"Many residents consider the club to be the heart of the village. It plays a huge part in people's lives. The cricket ground serves a senior club and several junior clubs.

"There are many members who would have been very disappointed if the club was forced to close. It would damage social life and deprive
young people of a sport which benefits them both physically
and socially.

"Hopefully, now the electricity supply is assured, more people will play there and become involved in the community spirit."

Cricket at the Berry Lane ground can be traced back as far as 1884. The club joined the newly-formed Woodlesford and District League in 1893 and that year shared first place with Methley.

The ground was acquired by the National Coal Board in 1947 and a new pavilion was erected and opened by the manager of
Primrose Colliery.

The combined performances of the first and second XIs in 1991 earned the club the Walter Cussans Trophy as the "club of the year."

In 2000 Great Preston joined the Wetherby League.