One of Harrogate’s oldest cricket clubs has celebrated its 180th anniversary in style with great cricket and fun for all the family.

Established in 1846, Follifoot Cricket Club has been a feature of village life for nearly 200 years.

While this historic club had had its difficult times in recent times, like many other cricket clubs, it has bounced back thanks to developing homegrown talent and fostering a real sense of community.

To mark its landmark anniversary, its lovely ground on the Rudding Estate played host to a special match between The Follifoot XI and Yorkshire Legends.

To mark its 180th anniversary, Follifoot Cricket Club lovely ground on the Rudding Estate played host to a special match. (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — To mark its 180th anniversary, Follifoot Cricket Club lovely ground on the Rudding Estate played host to a special match. (Picture contributed)

"We had a really good turnout, including Yorkshire legends Martin Moxon and Kevin Sharpe who came along to support on the day,” said Follifoot Cricket Club Chairman Rob Wilkins.

“It was a great match and the Follifoot XI did manage to get close to pulling it off.”

The Yorkshire Legends posted a challenging total of 201 from their allotted 25 overs with former Test star Craig White and Chris Schofield scoring freely.

The Follifoot XI gave it a good go with upper order contributions from Eddie Batchelor and Sanjay Mani setting up a platform for youngster Toby Wilkins and veteran Harry Wilkinson to get close with some late strike play.

One of the oldest cricket clubs in England, Follifoot Cricket Club has played at the Rudding Estate since it was founded, (Picture contributed)

Lesroy Weekes proved the difference between the sides winning the Slingsby Man of the Match for his three wicket haul.

Organisers laid on a full day of activities alongside the cricket, with a live jazz band, BBQ, full bar, face painting and sweet and cake stalls.

One of the oldest cricket clubs in England, Follifoot Cricket Club has played at the Rudding Estate since it was founded, except during the First and Second World Wars.

The club joined the Airedale & Wharfedale Senior Cricket League in 1964, spending more than 60 years within its structure, before joining the Yorkshire Premier League North structure.

Making cricket history - The teams line-up at Follifoot Cricket Club's ground on the Rudding Estate for a special match between The Follifoot XI and Yorkshire Legends. (Picture contributed)

In 2014, Follifoot Cricket Club appointed its first dedicated club coach to bolster junior coaching qualifications.

The club is currently fundraising to enact improvement plans, with long-term goals including the construction of a modern pavilion and a flexible community space.