A CRICKET club staged a charity family fun day in tribute to a popular player who died after being taken ill during a game.

And organisers were bowled over with the community response to the event.

Haworth Cricket Club held the extravaganza to celebrate the life of Ian Wycherley and raise money to provide a defibrillator at the ground.

Mr Wycherley became unwell at a Haworth second XI match at the beginning of June, and died shortly afterwards in Bradford Royal Infirmary. He was 56.

Apart from a spell living away in young adulthood, the painter and decorator had spent his whole life in the Worth Valley area.

The fun day began with Haworth club juniors and young visitors playing a short pairs game, overseen by coach Neil Bishop.

There were then matches involving senior sides, which competed to be the inaugural winner of the Ian Wycherley Memorial Trophy.

Ahead of the senior games, a minute’s applause was held in honour of Mr Wycherley.

Other attractions at the event included a British Heart Foundation tin can alley, bouncy castle, face painting, barbecue, cake stall, giant football card and prize draw.

Accompaniment was provided by CBS Entertainments’ Chris Smith.

The club said it was “blown away” by the support shown.

A spokesman said: “The ground had more supporters and visitors arriving than ever and we had amazing donations from cricket clubs and fantastic prizes from local businesses and individuals. We cannot thank people enough for their amazing generosity.

“Ian would have loved every minute of the event. It was a fantastic day for a fantastic bloke and we’re all proud we could help with such a cause. Everything raised will go to benefit the community and the British Heart Foundation.”