A SILSDEN-based cricket bat and apparel company launched in 2016 is making a worldwide impact.

Bats produced by Viking Cricket are now in demand from as far afield as New Zealand.

Business proprietor Jeff Wilson, who runs the company with James Dollive, said: "This last season has seen us send cricket bats all over the world to Australia, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates, the USA and Canada, as well as across the UK and to Europe including Portugal, Spain, France and Scandinavia.

"We've won contracts with Middlesex County Cricket Club, (CCC) to supply T20 shirts to the Ladies League teams, and we've become sponsors of the Iceland Cricket team."

Mr Wilson said he was delighted the firm has achieved so much in such a short space of time.

He added he was particularly pleased it has established a link to Middlesex CCC, which is based at "the home of cricket" – Lord's.

Mr Wilson said Viking Cricket's international reputation has not sidelined its appeal closer to home.

"John and Bradley Akrigg, who are father and son and play for Steeton Cricket Club, both use our bats and have both scored centuries this year," he said.

"We supplied a custom-made Thor bat to John, who's a very good local cricketer and has been playing for a long time.

"His son Bradley bought our Odin bat, with which he scored a century shortly before the end of the season."