AN early morning downpour did not dampen spirits in a charity cricket tournament.

Organisers of the Kashmir Cup held at Pleasington Playing Fields on Bank Holiday Monday this year aimed to raise as much money for a charity for homeless Palestinian children.

Teams from all over the North West attended the tournament which was eventually won by Blackburn's New Tandoori who overcame Nelson's Ithaad in the final.

Player of the tournament Bilal Khan, a professional from Bradford hit a quickfire 55 to reach the Ithaad target of 81. Earlier New Tandoori had beaten Intack CC and Ithaad knocked Manchester CC in the semi-finals.

The event was organised by Kasar Shazad and Mohammed Riaz. Kasar told Asian Image, "We managed to raise over £1,500 in the end. We organised it on very short notice and I would like to thank all the helpers and everyone who made this event possible."

"Despite the rain I think many of the people enjoyed the day. Many of sides had a couple of professional players on show and I think that added to the excitement. There was some great cricket being played."

Companies that donated towards the event included: Texacan Trousers, Blackburn Clothing, Khan's Food Store of Audley, Nagyal Food Store and Pennine Store of Accrington, Woodnook Newsagents also of Accrington.

The winners trophies were sponsored by New Khan's Fashion's and the urnners-up trophies were sponsored by Noorjamal CC of Darwen.