A SILSDEN-based cricket bat company is runner up in a prestigious 2018 guide that recognises the best quality cricket equipment.

And Viking Cricket, owned by Jeff Wilson, has also confirmed it will be sponsoring Yorkshire county player Karl Carver for the 2018 season.

The company is about to enter its third season of making cricket bats.

It was voted into second place overall for it’s Valhalla cricket bat in The Cricketer Magazine's Good Gear Guide.

Mr Wilson said: "We won our category for boutique brands, achieving 'Best in Class', and came second overall which was fantastic. It's a testament to our hard work and the quality of our products.

"Our bat maker, James Dollive, is fast becoming one of the most respected bat makers in the country.

"He has over 20 years’ experience making bats for players of all ability.

"The Cricketer Magazine Good Gear Guide is a well-respected annual test of some of the world's best cricket bats and equipment.

"To be ranked so highly among some of the most well know cricket bat companies in the world is great, not only for us but for Yorkshire business.

"We're having a worldwide impact and are shipping bats out to Australia, New Zealand, The USA, Canada and some surprising places around Europe not always known for cricket like Portugal, Spain, Italy and Iceland."

Mr Wilson said the company was pleased to announce its partnership with Mr Carver at Yorkshire County Cricket Club for the coming season.

He said: "To be working with county pros is great. As a Yorkshire company we're very proud of our roots, so we're really looking forward to seeing Yorkshire and Karl do well this season.

"When a county cricketer wants to use your equipment it’s another sign that your product is of the highest quality."