THE Yorkshire division of national homebuilder, Bellway Homes has bowled the perfect delivery for the junior section of Skipton Cricket Club – becoming the official ball sponsor for the 2024 season.

Bellway, which is developing a 16.5-acre site off the town’s Carleton Road, has supplied a wide selection of training, wind and hardballs for use by the junior sides that play in the U9 to U13 Upper Airedale Junior Cricket Association leagues.

Paula Murdoch, Bellway Yorkshire’s sales manager, said: “Wherever we build we want to make friends with our neighbours so that the new homes and their buyers can quickly become an integral part of the local community.”

“Skipton Cricket Club plays a huge part in the lives of so many people in the town and to be able to help out in a way that benefits the hundred and fifty or so children who turn out for training and games week in, week out throughout the spring and summer is something we’re delighted to do. I’m just hoping some of the balls we’ve supplied will send wickets tumbling and be despatched to the boundary (by Skipton players, of course) throughout the season!”

Skipton CC has 13 junior teams, ranging from U9s up to U18s, and was recently named Upper Airedale Junior Cricket Association development club of the year. The club also has five senior sides, including two women’s teams. In addition, the club also runs ECB All Star and Dynamo programmes during the season, meaning it offers cricket to everyone from 5-years old upwards.

Malcolm Birks, Skipton CC’s club chairman, Labour's candidate for Skipton and Ripon in July's General Election, said: “The new Bellway development on our doorstep has changed the outlook across the valley to Carleton from the club, but we’re all watching the houses go up with great excitement as hopefully the new homes will lead to an influx of new players and volunteers.”

Bellway’s Clifford Gardens development features a strong mix of different home types and sizes, including two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes. Prices currently range from £229,995 for a two-bed semi-detached Milton to £629,995 for a five-bed detached Kettlewell with a double garage.

For further information visit www.bellway.co.uk, call 01756 533028 or visit the on-site sales office which is open 11am to 5pm every Friday and Saturday, 10am to 5pm on Mondays and Fridays and 10am to 7pm on a Thursday.