A LADIES' cricket match turned heads with a masculine playing style.

Interspersed in the four teams were 12 men, cunningly disguised in flowery skirts, suspenders and wigs. But the drag queens were easily spotted in the quiet village of Helperby.

Their appearance marked the first time that men have been able to play in the annual ladies' event at the village cricket club.

Joint organiser Ashley Davis said: "We've been having the ladies' event for years and thought it would be good to have some players in drag.

"Helperby is a quiet place and it certainly turned heads, but the men seemed to love it and stayed in their drag all day.

"They're already talking about the clothes and the make-up they're going to wear next year."

The event, which saw a team representing each of the village's four pubs, is thought to have raised £250 for the cricket club.

More fundraising is being carried out on Friday with a hog roast, which starts at 7.30pm.

PICTURE: HOWZAT? Helperby drag queens Nick Buchanan, left, and Mark Faulkner dress up for fancy dress cricket

Picture: Mike Tipping