CRICKETERS were tickled pink after £2,600 was raised at a league match with a spin-off for charity.

The Bolton League clash between Greenmount and Farnworth turned into a charitable spectacle when players donned pink shirts to raise money for Bury’s and Bolton’s hospices.

The day was organised by Ian Senior, whose late father was cared for at Bury Hospice, and the money was collected through shirt sponsors, raffles and a quiz night, while more than 50 replica shirts were sold.

Former Greenmount cricketer and ex-England international footballer Phil Neville was also in attendance to open a new scoreboard at Greenmount’s Brandlesholme Road ground.

Ian, a retired fireman and former Stockport County goalkeeper, said: “Thanks must be given to all who participated in the event, including the club bar staff who donated all their tips during the day to the appeal as well.

“The cricket match was a great advert for Bolton League cricket, with Greenmount edging it in the last over by 12 runs.”

Farnworth CC split its funds raised between Bury Hospice and Bolton Hospice while Greenmount CC donated all cash raised to Bury Hospice.

Ian, aged 55, who now owns a successful sports kit supplier SKkits, added: “Having initially set a target of £1,000, to raise the amount we did was a fabulous effort by all concerned.”