A County Durham cricket club is attempting to re-form and bring the sport back to the area after a two-year absence.

Michael O'Neill is attempting to reform Lands Cricket Club (LCC) and has said he wants to bring the sport back to Lands ahead of the 2024 season.

The more than 100-year-old club had previously resigned from the Darlington and District Cricket League in 2018 following a player shortage.

Mr O'Neill said he is working with permission from LCC's committee and is currently on the lookout for players to build a new team - roughly two years after the club stopped playing cricket.

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Darlington and Stockton Times: He said: "Lands stopped playing cricket roughly about two years ago, I have an interest in cricket, my sons play cricket, and some friends play as well.

"We spoke to the committee at Lands who still maintain the ground and we're working to put a team together.

"I've had an interest in cricket all my life to be honest. I've watched my sons get into cricket at school and they now play for teams.

"We thought it would be ideal if we could work on it, get a team together, to continue the heritage.

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Darlington and Stockton Times:

"If we get enough interest and players in to enter a league, find our feet, [we'll] go from there and grow the club.

"It would be a fantastic achievement for the village to see cricket played week in, week out."

He said the club will accept under-18s and seniors, and with enough interest, these teams will be seperate.

Mr O'Neill said the club is currently undecided on competing in either the Durham or Darlington leagues - and is also considering playing non-league cricket.

He said he was motivated to reform the club due to his love for the game and Lands' rich 120-year history.

He added the club has received an offer from a business to help fund the project, and said it plans to raise additional money through advertising boards, match balls, and fundraising.

Mr O'Neill stressed that his sons, James and Kenley, would not be playing in the team and would continue to play for their current clubs.

Speaking on the club's initial disbanding, he said: "It's sad to see village cricket disappear, it's disappeared all around the county unfortunately.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

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"It leaves a big hole. It's not good for the game.

"If we can get on our feet, others might do the same where cricket is no longer played. They might have a go and resurrect one of their old clubs, hopefully."

Lands Cricket ground is located in Low Lands, Cockfield in Bishop Auckland.