THREE firms have helped England cricket captain Mike Atherton get closer to his target at a clay pigeon shoot.

The cricketer's benefit fund was swelled by £1,000 after First Signs, Nelson, Cavalier Carpets, Blackburn and Glassfibre Developments, Nelson, all guaranteed prizes in the shooting competition, held near Skipton.

The shooting grounds are owned by Keith Whitwell, of Higherford, who organised the event after contacting the cricketer for advice after he underwent an operation on his spine similar to one Atherton had.

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