AN exhibition of more than 1,100 pieces of memorabilia belonging to legendary Yorkshire cricketer Brian Close will be going on display later this year.

Close, who was born in Rawdon in 1931, is one of the county’s most iconic and successful cricketers, scoring more than 22,000 runs and taking 967 first class wickets in 21 years, captaining the club to four Championship titles.

His entire career spanned 37 years, including becoming the youngest man to make his Test debut for England - a record that stands to this day.

Close, who died in 2015 aged 84, also made six appearances for Bradford City FC, scoring two goals, and was also on the books at Leeds United and Arsenal.

The Brian Close Archive has been collected in recent years through the hard work and diligence of the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation’s Archive Committee, and celebrates the sporting and personal life of one of England’s finest ever players.

The archive contains more than 1,100 items, ranging from highly personal letters he exchanged with his close friend John Anderson to a collection of memorabilia from Close’s career.

The Yorkshire Cricket Foundation plans to display the archive in the East Stand Museum at Headingley Stadium later in the year, and some items will also go on show at other venues and online.

Paul Goodman, Yorkshire Cricket Foundation heritage manager, said: “This is a wonderful addition to the developing Yorkshire Cricket Archive, especially because it relates to one of Yorkshire’s most revered figures and, particularly, because the Members and supporters have been instrumental in its acquisition.

“It is rare in any sport to encounter an archive by, or relating to, one individual which is not only comprehensive, but which simultaneously provides immensely human and poignant insights into their character.”

Robin Smith, Yorkshire Cricket Foundation chair, said: “It is a great privilege for the Foundation, and for me personally, to have secured Brian Close’s remarkable archive, not only for the Yorkshire Cricket community but also for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

“Brian was a lovely man, respected by all with whom he came into contact or who simply admired his prowess from afar, and I am delighted that we now have the opportunity to throw further light on the life of this great cricketer and gentleman”.

Will Saville, head of the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, added: “It’s fantastic to have the Brian Close’s collection as part of the Yorkshire Cricket Archive.

“Brian is a legend of England and Yorkshire Cricket, and a character that everyone looked up to.

“As the Club’s charity and the community arm of Yorkshire Cricket we are keen to use the power of our county’s cricket heritage to inspire new generations, and the Brian Close Archive and his cricketing story will help us to do that.”