Special thanks have been given to everyone who helped a Cumbrian cricket club get up and running in time for the new season.

Like much of Carlisle, the city's cricket club, at Edenside, was one of the victims when Storm Desmond struck back in December. 

There was very little that was untouched by the flood water, which had risen as high as the pavilion roof.

The riverside club was also targeted by looters on three separate occasions - December 10, 16 and 17.

Staff, along with volunteers, have had to rally round to ensure everything was good to go in time for the first ball to be bowled.

With various people offering to support in whatever way they could, the club decided to hold an event to say a special thank you to those who gave up their time to help. 

Between 80 and 90 people gathered at the club on Saturday APRIL 23 night as members paid tribute and also looked forward to the season ahead.

"It's something that we always intended to do," Mike Rayson, the club's chairman, told the News & Star.

"We always said that we wanted everything to be ready by a certain date and that's exactly what we've done. Everything is ready to go for the new season.

"We're extremely grateful to everyone that has helped us along the way.

"Inside pretty much everything had to be replaced. There wasn't really anything that survived the floods and so we had to get rid of a lot of things."

Among the guests were Carlisle's deputy mayor Colin Stothard as well as people from both Sellafield and the Story group.

"It was just our way of saying thank you," Mike added. "We wanted to show everyone that their efforts were appreciated. 

"It was a good night and I think everyone had fun.

"It also gave everyone that's connected with the club, and those who helped, to see how we're set up now. 

"Given that so much needed to be replaced, we've been able to make it a bit more modern.

"One of the things we've changed is the seating."

During the evening, there was also a draw, which raised more than £550.

"The money we raised will be passed on to James Rennie School, in Kingstown, so that they can buy a defibrillator," Mike added.

"We've since been told that with that donation and contributions from others, they've now got enough to be able to buy one so we're extremely pleased about that."

The first competitive match of the new season took place last night, with Carlisle Green U-11 taking on Carlisle Blue U-11 in the junior league.