CRICKETING pupils from Camblesforth Primary School near Selby helped to launch the 2015 Drax Cup at Headingley.

The youngsters were joined by Yorkshire and England bowling legend Ryan Sidebottom and the county's Stamford Bridge all-rounder Will Rhodes, plus Ashes-winning England fast bowler Katherine Brunt.

The trio led a practice session and matches with the school children.

Sidebottom said: “We’re delighted to get involved with the Drax Cup, which is a fantastic introduction to the thrill of playing competitive cricket and a great opportunity for youngsters to practice and improve their skills.”

Around 500 schools from across Yorkshire and Teesside registered for the Drax Cup last year, which is the biggest cricket competition for under-9s in the UK.

The organisers are hoping that even more schools will sign up this year as the sport continues to enjoy a surge in popularity among younger players.

Peter Emery, group operations director at Drax, said: “We are really pleased that Ryan and Will have agreed to join Katherine as ambassadors for the Drax Cup.

"Their profile and enthusiasm for the game will help inspire more young people to discover this fantastic sport and ensure the competition remains as strong as ever.”

School Sports Partnerships need to enter by Monday, April 20 by completing the form on the competition website www.thedraxcup.co.uk

The competition begins after Easter and runs until July.

The 2015 Drax Cup Finals will be played at Headingley on Friday, July 10, before Yorkshire Vikings versus Durham Jets in the NatWest T20 Blast.