CRICKETING legend Imran Khan is set to visit Nelson this summer.

The internationally-renowned former Pakistan captain has been invited to the town by a group of local organisers who are aiming to raise thousands of pounds for Imran's cancer research appeal.

Nelson councillor Mohammed Iqbal said: "They have already raised between £6,000 and £7,000 for the appeal in the last two months and that has been sent to Pakistan.

"They're hoping to raise another £25,000 on top of that.

"Obviously this visit would be of great interest to everyone locally.

"He is a very well-known personality and a lot of people will want to come and see him."

It is not clear whether his wife Jemima - daughter of international tycoon Sir James Goldsmith - will be able to make the journey although the invitation has been extended to her as well.

"The idea is to try and arrange some sort of sporting event as a highlight of the visit, plus a social occasion with Imran as the main speaker," added Coun Iqbal.

The visit is planned for sometime in July or August and will also include a visit to a local mosque.

This week the cricketer's fund-raising campaign suffered a setback when bombs exploded at his cancer hospital in Lahore, killing six people.

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