THE official launch of a newly organised ladies' cricket club took place at Bradford Park Avenue on Friday.

The club was formed by Kirsty Gavillet, who left the army this summer where she was captain of the army ladies' cricket team.

She set up the new Bradford group to inspire women into sport and soon over 40 women joined, including Bradford councillors Vanda Greenwood and Fozia Shaheen.

The launch was attended by member of Yorkshire Cricket Club and included a Christmas party with games, speeches and refreshments.

Ms Gavillet, who is chairman, said: "The club at Park Avenue is for all women of all walks of life with a view to improving health as well as mental wellbeing.

"It has been really successful in getting people on board. We've over 40 women now with between 12 and 15 coming for training twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays.

"We particularly wanted to encourage South Asian women to come forward. Getting South Asian women involved is something the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) is encouraging

"Now we have a real mixture of all cultures and races who have joined which is terrific."

Some of those who have joined work as doctors, councillors, cooks, physiotherapists as well as business women.

The club also has an All Stars group for girls aged over five with the idea of introducing them to cricket to tap into young talent.

Club vice chairman Cllr Fozia Shaheen said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be part of this exciting and ground-breaking initiative. This should have happened many years back but it is never too late.”

Anyone wanting to go along and join the new club or see what the training sessions involve can go along on Wednesdays, between 6pm and 7pm at Grange Interlink Community Centre, in Summerville Road, or on Sundays between 10.30am and 11.30am at Parkside Sports Centre.