Keighley Cricket Club are appealing for memorabilia to help give their clubhouse a facelift and inspire their next generation of players.

The Lawkholme Lane outfit have a long and prestigious history, with Test and county cricketers having turned out for them since they formed way back in 1848.

And the club would love to hear from anyone who has photographs of teams and players which they can put on display.

Ross Towler, who along with Matthew Bottomley is set to return to action for Keighley next season, said: “We’ve such a brilliant history and we would like to put some of it on show and use it to inspire the next generation.

“If anyone has any kind of memorabilia associated with the club, we’re interested in hearing from them, whether they want to donate, loan or even sell things.”

Keighley first won the Bradford League title in 1919, when legendary Kent all-rounder Frank Woolley was their star, while they won the Priestley Cup for the first time in 1921 in front of a record crowd of more than 14,000 at Park Avenue.

England left-hander Eddie Paynter was a big star for Keighley in their successful side of the 1940s, which saw them win their second league title in 1946.

A third has since proved elusive but the club has had many more notable players on its books, such as England footballer Mike Hellawell, Yorkshire players Peter Hartley and Phil Robinson, and the Bradford League’s all-time highest run-scorer Richard Robinson (Keighley’s current captain).

Meanwhile, former skipper Towler is relishing his return to competitive action after having a year out last season.

The opening bowler will strengthen Keighley’s attack, while Bottomley is set to bolster the top of the batting order after returning from Undercliffe.

The pair will provide key experience to a side with plenty of young talent. Towler said: “It’s been nice to have a break but I’m really looking forward to getting back playing.

“We’ve been netting already and we’re very excited about the new season.

“We have some super youngsters and getting Matthew back is a really good addition.”

Anyone who can supply memorabilia can contact Towler by email on ross.towler@talk21.com.