A CRICKET club that was devastated by three break-ins in three weeks has been completely transformed following a huge community effort.

The East Lancashire Paper Mill Cricket Club has organised a grand reopening of its clubhouse — just in time for the cricket season.

Businesses, college students and club members have volunteered hundreds of hours of their time to renovate the building after yobs broke through the roof in December 2018, ransacked the bar and set fire to an internal wall.

First captain Paul Hewart said: "There has been significant progress made at the club since the awful vandalism and arson three months ago.

"The club has been working hard to get the clubhouse fully functioning before the cricket season commences on April 20.

"We would like to thank the cricketing and Radcliffe community for their exceptional generosity, help and support in the rebuild of the clubhouse.

"A core group of East Lancs members have worked tirelessly to re-wire, install a new ceiling, build a new bar and fully decorate. Without all these people the club wouldn’t have had any opportunity to open this season."

A Go Fund Me page helped raise more than £2,600. In January, some 90 rounders players from across Bury and Radcliffe, including seven teams from Bury Rounders League, took part in a huge tournament which raised more than £750.

Bury College pupils lent a hand to experienced tradespeople to plaster the walls.

Sanderroof has provided a new roof and another local firm has contributed CCTV to provide the building with "desperately-needed" additional security.

Bury Council pitch funding will enable new flooring to be supplied and fitted by Lakeland Carpets.

Mr Hewart said: "There is still a lot of work to be done, primarily we require a new kitchen and would welcome any support to help us achieve this within the next few weeks.

"We just want to reiterate what ELPMCC offers to the community and invite people down to watch or join in and enjoy our facilities.

"Once again we want to thank the community for helping the club get through this awful period and look forward to seeing many of you over the coming months #upthemiller."

A grand opening will be held on April 20, the date of the first home game of the Greater Manchester Cricket League (GMCL) season. The East Lancs first team will play Bury Cricket Club's second team in a Division 2 fixture, with wickets pitched at 12.30pm.

The celebrations will continue into the evening, with food, a DJ and karaoke. The Radcliffe community is invited to attend any part of the day.