Because of the major damage to the 112-year-old pavilion of Harrogate Cricket Club, many feared that the club's memorabilia had also been destroyed.

The treasured items escaped damage and are destined for display in the replacement pavilion. They included dozens of books, one, 50 years in Cricket by Pudsey's Sir Len Hutton and Another Word, the work of commentator John Arlott.

Old score books also emerged notably two Harrogate matches against Wighill Park in which Lord Hawke played against Harewood a clash figuring David Lascelles, later the Earl of Harewood.

Club secretary Simon Corner has taken the years of memories under lock and key, assuring the safe passage of Harrogate's Memory Lane picture collection, notably one of an England v Australia match in August 1913.

There is also a photograph of the famous Bodyline Tour in 1932-33.
The cameras also captured a visit of the Duchess of Kent in June 1991 to see the Tykes play Kent. It was one of the last Yorkshire county matches staged at the old ground which is owned by Harrogate Borough Council.

Also safely under under lock and key are five of Maurice Leyland's caps.
The fire ravaged cricket club want to rise from the ashes to establish a round the year indoor cricket school once its insurance claim has been completed.

Club chairman Miles Rawlings says it is no good dwelling on the disaster.

is message has been to keep the club running and look ahead to development of a new pavilion.

One of the pipe dreams, he said, was the indoor cricket school which would be a tremendous boost for the town as well as the club, giving all-year play and coaching, particularly for the club's growing number of juniors.

It is now 12 years since Yorkshire County Cricket Club controversially ended its annual county match at the Saint George's Road Ground, a fixture which was also part of Harrogate Cricket Festival.

Mr Rawlings said: "The replacement of the pavilion and refurbishment of the adjoining Tavern are immediate priorities, although work could not start until insurance matters were settled.

"The club must accept that a golden opportunity lays ahead if we work alongside businesses, organisations and individuals to bring forward ground improvements."
The chairman said the fire – believed to be an arson attack – had not stopped any matches taking place and would not do so.

From the day of the fire the chairman's policy has been "the matches must go on".

It was all part of looking ahead to a brighter future, he said.
The club is already hoping to raise £500,000 for the restoration scheme and an appeal is expected to be launched.

Already a cricket fan from Leeds has started the donations.
He sent £25 in the post, wishing the club well for the future.