COLNE cricketer Andrew Whitaker is preparing to make his county Cricket debut - even though he is confined to a wheelchair.

Andrew - who suffers from reflex sympathetic dystrophy, a disease which affects the nerves - will be part of a disabled team representing Lancashire in a Battle of the Roses clash against Yorkshire on July 7.

Despite his disability, over the past two years Andrew has built up a reputation as one of the best off-spinners in the county after been spotted by scouts for a disabled cricketing organisation while watching a match at Colne Cricket Club. He is now trained by Colne, plays for Rochdale and will represent the county in what he hopes will be one of many high-flying games.

Andrew, of Intack Crescent, said: "The main cricketing counties are trying to set up a league for disabled cricketers, with a final to be held at either the Oval or Lords.

"It is slightly different to traditional cricket because there are only eight players and the scoring is different.

"I am really looking forward to this match."

He also has plenty of other matches lined up for the summer, and has just completed a mini-tournament in Preston during which he showed his batting was almost as good as his well-documented bowling prowess.

He added: "I have always been a good off-spinner but my batting has improved a lot which has pleased me.

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