The Government should not support Yorkshire County Cricket Club unless it allows first-class cricket to return to Harrogate, Phil Willis MP is urging.

It should not receive lottery cash or Sports Council grants while county cricket is played in Leeds - but not in Harrogate and Sheffield.

The Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough was yesterday elected secretary of the parliamentary all-party Yorkshire Cricket Group.

Mr Willis said: "I am delighted to play my part in promoting the great traditions of Yorkshire cricket.

"I would certainly make it a condition for any Government support that cricket is seen as a countywide activity and not just in Leeds.

"Here in Harrogate and Knaresborough we have a tremendous base on which to build and I hope that before long cricket will be back at the top of the summer agenda for thousands of local residents."

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