A cricket legend from East Lancs has lent his voice to a fresh strike at getting more youngsters involved in the game.
David 'Bumble' Lloyd is teaming up with CBeebies presenter Ben Cajee for the animated series Lanky & Friends.
The Accrington-born player and TV commentator was captivated by the idea behind Lanky the Giraffe, Lancashire CC's mascot, and his pals Zippy, Willow and Stumps, giving an insight into the game.
Promoters say through the series the characters "learn about the history of Lancashire Cricket, the Roses rivalry, the rules of T20 cricket, and the stars of the modern game, in a fun and engaging way".
Lloyd said: "Lanky & Friends is a brilliant way to get kids to care about the game of cricket and create more fans of this fantastic sport.
"I’m proud my county has commissioned this brilliant animated series and honoured to play a part in its production.”
Ben, who also works with BBC Sport and will be providing the narration, added: "I’ve been involved in kids' television for almost a decade and, as a massive cricket fan, this has been a project that I’ve absolutely loved being part of.
"I don’t remember anything like Lanky & Friends when I was growing up but by creating this original animated series, Lancashire Cricket is paving the way to engage a whole new generation with the game."
The series arrives as Lancashire's men and women's teams launch their T20 campaigns, with the aim of attracting more younger fans to Old Trafford.
Produced by strategic marketing communications agency MC2, the three-episode run forms part of the cricket club's Red Rose Together initiative which launched earlier this year to celebrate the club’s 160th anniversary,
Lancashire County Cricket Club chief executive Daniel Gidney said: "This is a really important project for Lancashire Cricket, one focused firmly on engaging the next generation of players, participants, and fans of the sport.
"Lanky & Friends provides a fun and engaging introduction to cricket with the aim of fostering lifelong connections between the club and children of all ages and backgrounds."
Ellie Matthews, director at MC2, said: “It’s been a real honour to collaborate with our home club to produce this groundbreaking series within the sport of cricket.
"Lanky & Friends offers a unique combination of entertainment, education, and emotional connection that appeals to children of all ages. We are excited to see the reaction of young people in Lancashire and beyond as they follow the adventures of Lanky and his friends.”
The series can be watched on the club's website or via LancsTV on YouTube.
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