An early morning downpour did not dampen spirits at the Kashmir Cup charity cricket tournament.

Organisers of the event, held at Pleasington Playing Fields, aimed to raise money for a charity for homeless Palestinian children.

Nine teams from across the North West attended the tournament - and many teams included club professionals.

The contest - which had eight-balls-an-over, six overs a side 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.

His most impressive haul was five sixes in a single over.

The side took just 3.4 overs of the possible eight to win the match.

Earlier New Tandoori had beaten Intack CC and Ithaad knocked out Manchester CC in the semi-finals.

The event was organised by Kasar Shazad and Mohammed Riaz.

Kasar said: "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 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, Pennine Store of Accrington and Woodnook Newsagents, also of Accrington. The winners' trophies were sponsored by New Khan's Fashions and the runners-up trophies were sponsored by Noorjamal CC of Darwen.