DRAX Cricket Club have been awarded the Club Mark from the Yorkshire Cricket Board in recognition of their development in recent years.

In the last ten years they have made immense strides forward on a number of fronts.

The HPH York Vale League champions have made major improvements to their ground, including a new pavilion and work on the playing surface. The club has identified its practice facilities as the next phase of development and the club's president and landlord, Neville Stones, is supporting the scheme.

The Club Mark recognises Drax's commitment to the future of the game in the area and to the development of young players in a safe environment.

Secretary David Cartwright said: "The club has committed a tremendous amount of work into this project and the award is something of which we are extremely proud.

"However, it is only part of the journey of improvement and we will be continuing to provide the very best for all our members."

Chairman Mick Brook added: "We have fully qualified coaches who work with our players to help them improve and more volunteers are taking up this exciting challenge.

"We feel that Drax Cricket Club, which upholds the traditions and spirit of English village cricket, has moved firmly into the 21st century and we are delighted with this outcome."